Invasive Species
Invasive species are organisms or plants that invade ecosystems that are not
within their historic range. They may threaten native ecosystems or commercial,
agricultural, and recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems, or even
pose a threat to human health.
Humans have intentionally and unintentionally assisted invasive species for centuries. Invasives are introduced into new habitats in numerous ways including ships, boats, barges, aquaculture, agriculture, nurseries, or connected waterways. Through these and other vectors, thousands of invasive species have become established in this country, costing the economy billions annually.
Invasives cover a wide variety of species ranging in size from microscopic plankton
to 8-foot tall purple loosestrife. Other examples of aquatic invasive species
include zebra mussels, European green and mitten crabs, hydrilla, Eurasian water
milfoil, water ettuce, nutria, sea lamprey, big head carp, salt cedar, and New Zealand
mud snail. Some of these organisms seem to have little impact on native ecosystems and
human activities while others have devastating effects.
In 2001, the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE)
,
funded by USDA-CSREES
(see highlight on CSREES website) ,
was started to develop an invasive plants early detection network for the six New England
states. IPANE was developed by biologists from the University of Connecticut, the
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Reserve, and the New England Wild Flower Society.
IPANE brings invasive species science to the public and in turn incorporates the public to
gather ecological data that drives future scientific research.
On-line Resources for Invasive Species Information:
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Aquatic Nuisance Species in Vermont
Maine Aquatic Invasive Species
Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group
Summary report of nonindigenous aquatic species by USGS 
Evaluation of Non-Native Plant Species for Invasiveness In Massachusetts