Introduced Species

May 2008 South Dakota Project WILD Newsletter, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks No. 42 Introduced Species Non-Native Plants & Animals Can Invade, Disrupt Local Ecosystems What Are Invasive Species? To understand what an invasive species is, one must first understand the difference between an exotic species and a native species. An exotic species is any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that habitat. Other terms sometimes used for exotic species include “nonnative,” “non-indigenous,” and “alien.” A native species is a species that, other than as a result of an introduction, historically occurs/occurred in that particular habitat. An invasive species is an exotic species whose introduction into an ecosystem in which the species is not native causes or is likely to cause environmental or economic harm or harm to human health. It is important to note that when we talk about a species being invasive, we are talking about ecosystem or environmental boundaries, not political ones. In addition to the many invasive species from outside the U.S., there are many species from within the U.S. that are invasive in other parts of the country because they are not native to the ecosystem in which they have become established. For information about non-native species in South Dakota, turn to pages 4 & 5. The reason for this is that in a natural or native community, species evolve together into an ecosystem with many checks and balances that limit the population growth of any one species. These checks and balances include such things as: predators, herbivores, diseases, parasites, other organisms competing for the same resources and limiting environmental factors. These checks and balances form the complex web of life that makes up an ecosystem and in which a native species competes for survival. However, when an organism is introduced into an ecosystem in which it did not evolve naturally, it no longer has those limits and its numbers can sometimes dramatically increase. The unnaturally large population numbers can then have severe impacts. The following discussion highlights these impacts. Impacts to Natural Resources ... Invasive species are harmful to our natural resources (fish, wildlife, plants and overall ecosystem health) because they disrupt natural communities and ecological processes. This causes harm to the native species in that ecosystem because they are suddenly competing for resources (food, water, shelter, etc.). The invasive species can outcompete the native species for food and habitats and sometimes even cause their extinction. Even if the native species are not completely eliminated, the ecosystem often becomes much less diverse which is more susceptible to disturbances such as diseases and natural disasters. (Continued on Page 2) Why Are Invasive Species a Problem? The introduction of invasive species can have a dramatic effect on our natural resources, human health, and economy. When non-native species are introduced into an ecosystem in which they did not evolve their populations can explode. Access This and Previous Issues of Dakota WILD Online at: www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Education/Projwild/DakotaWILD.htm (Continued from Page 1) Economy Impacts In addition to harming the natural world, invasive species also have serious effects on our economy. Invasive species can alter the habitats they invade to the point that natural-resource based businesses can suffer. We also spend millions of dollars every year on the eradication of invasive species and the restoration of the habitats they have invaded. from unwanted aquariums and snakes and lizards that get too large for their owners to take care of. Many species arrive here accidentally, without our knowledge. These are called unintentional introductions. Pathways for unintentional introductions include species arriving in foreign ballast water, hidden in wood packing material, hidden in other vegetation via the nursery trade, hidden aboard ships, hitchhiking on other species, and many other pathways. Human Health Impacts Although most of the impacts caused by invasive species are to our ecology and economy, invasive species can also have severe impacts on human health. Invasive species can serve as vectors (carriers) for human diseases, and can be poisonous or caustic to humans. Where Are They? Every region of the United States has invasive species problems. However, in some regions the problem is much more severe than others. Some of the places with the most invasive species problems include Hawaii, Florida, the Great Lakes, and the west coast. These places have larger numbers of invasive species because they are transportation hubs (marine, air, tourism) or because they have tropical climates that are more favorable for survival of the invasive species. But those are not the only places that have invasive species problems. Invasive species can be found from Alaska to Louisiana and from Maine to Texas. They can be found in our forests, fields and wetlands, and in our streams, rivers and bays, and even off coastlines organisms that have gone beyond being useful and have become harmful. A species is not usually recognized as invasive until it causes some sort of harm or cost to the ecology, economy, or to human health. Attempts to plant kudzu as a forage crop and an ornamental plant and attempts to develop a nutria population for fur harvest, for example, both backfired and have now become invasive species problems. There are some benefits to all species – but invasive species do more harm than good. How Many Invasive Species Are in U.S.? Although the numbers vary widely, some of the current research estimates that there are approximately 50,000 non-native species in the United States today. However, of that 50,000 species, approximately 4,300 have been considered invasive species. – Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/invasives/ faq.html How Are Invasive Species Introduced? There are many different pathways through which invasive species are intentionally and unintentionally introduced into the United States. In the early colonial days, before we were aware of the concept of invasive species, colonists brought many of their favorite plants and animals with them to the new world. Many of these species, although useful, have become problems over the years, or were carriers of other species (diseases, insects, seeds, etc) that were invasive. Examples include horses, cows, Queen Anne’s lace, New England domestic pigs, dandelions, and common mullein. Some species are (or have been in the past) deliberately brought into the United States for specific reasons (such as biocontrol or for use as pets) and are either released into the wild on purpose or escape where they then unexpectedly become an invasive species problem. These are called intentional introductions. One of the newest pathways for intentional introductions is mail order shopping through the Internet. Examples include the gypsy moth, nutria (a muskrat-like rodent), exotic plants via the nursery trade such as kudzu and multi-flora rose, plants from the seed trade such as crabgrass and johnsongrass, escapes from aquaculture facilities, and the mongoose in Hawaii. Examples of unwanted pets that get released into the wild include aquatic organisms dumped 2 Dakota WILD • May 2008 Are All Exotic Species Considered Invasive? Not all exotic species are invasive. In many cases, a species not native to an area is not adapted to it. If you introduced African elephants to Alaska – they would not survive. In other cases, however, a new species can do well in a new habitat, such as striped bass introduced to the Sacramento River in California. Only in a few cases do introduced species “go wild” and grow invasively, beyond acceptable levels. Current research seems to indicate that approximately 419% of the non-native species introduced into the U.S. might be invasive. Dakota WILD Dee Sleep, Editor Chicken Creek Communications 10563 Chicken Creek Road • Spearfish, SD 57783 Phone: 605-722-7028 • Fax: 866-373-4043 dee.sleep@chickencreekcommunications.com Dakota WILD is published two or three times per year by the Wildlife Division of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, 523 East Capital, Pierre, SD 57501-3182. Dakota WILD is freely distributed to those educators who have been trained in the South Dakota WILD program, and others interested in wildlife education. The goal of Project WILD is to assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment to result in informed decisions, concerning wildlife and the environment upon which all life depends. Project WILD is a registered trademark of the Western Regional Environmental Education Council. 1,700 copies of this document were printed by Game, Fish and Parks at a cost of 37 cents per copy. Printed on Recycled Paper POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Department of Game, Fish and Parks Dakota WILD 412 W. Missouri Ave., Ste. 4 Pierre, SD 57501 Are All Exotics Harmful? Not all exotic species are considered harmful. Non-native plants are fundamental to our lifestyle – most of our food crops, such as potatoes and wheat, are not native to the United States. Invasive species, however, are exotic Coordinator’s Corner Many Signs of S.D. Spring Are Non-Natives By Chad R. Tussing, SD Project WILD Coordinator It’s finally Spring in South Dakota and the air is awash with the sights, scents and sounds of spring, including the hearty cackle of the rooster pheasant, the gentle buzz of honeybees pollinating the tree blossoms, and the occasional, surprising squish of an earthworm on the sidewalk after an evening rain. Most of us are familiar with these sights and sounds. But many are unaware that these creatures are invaders to the Mt. Rushmore State. All three of these species are not native to South Dakota, or even to North America; though they’ve been here so long that everyone considers them to be a natural part of the landscape. In this issue of Dakota WILD, we’ll explore the topic of exotic or non-native species. Some of these species seem to have a negligible or even positive impact on our local surroundings. Others have a far more nefarious history and their presence is very detrimental to our South Dakota environments. I hope you enjoy this issue, have a few “I didn’t know that!” moments, and gain some new ideas and knowledge to share with your students. Stay WILD! Chad, Ethan and Elisa Tussing explore a local pond in search of its aquatic inhabitants. Get Some WILD Training This Summer Advanced Environmental Education II When: Where: Contact: Who: July 14-16, 2008 Black Hills area (classroom location TBA) Anne Lewis, (605) 224-8295. Teachers of Grades 8-12, pre-service educators, nonformal educators, social studies, civics, environmental studies, physical education, ag/natural resources. Credit: 2 credits Details: Two-day, one-night field session on the Cheyenne (flows permitting). No kayaking experience required. WILD About Foxes & Ferrets When: Where: Contact: Details: August 1-3, 2008 Badlands National Park (Interior) Chad Tussing, (605) 773-2541 This workshop will provide some hands-on field experiences and educational activities focusing on black-footed ferrets and swift foxes. Ten participant minimum; 15 maximum. Estimated $75 for lodging plus meals on your own (plus $40 fee for college credit, if desired). Scholarships to cover workshop expenses are available to qualifying teachers through a grant from Badlands National Park. Cost: Advanced Environmental Education continues the investigation into science and civics plus other content areas. We will spend one day in the classroom designing a water quality program that addresses real world issues then two days in the field sampling the Cheyenne River using the program we designed. Cost: Register by June 1– $15. After May 1– $25. (plus fee for college credit, if desired) For more information or to register for either or both of these workshops, visit the Dakota WILD web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Education/Projwild/ workshops.htm. May 2008 • Dakota WILD 3 Non-Native Spec Introduced S.D. Species Exotic, tropical snails Include 2 State Symbols found in S.D. stream There are several introduced animal species that are commonly thought of as native to South Dakota. These include: Ring-Necked Pheasant (native to China) Honey Bee (native to Africa) Trout & Salmon species (native to east & west coasts of North America) Mountain Goat (native to Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest) Earthworms (native to Europe & Asia) (Yes, Earthworms!) The first two animals listed are both official symbols of the State of South Dakota. The Chinese Ring-Necked Pheasant was declared the state bird in 1960. While not native to South Dakota – or to North America – the pheasant has adapted to life here well and is one of the most common game bird species in the country. Originally from China, the ring-necked pheasant was first successfully introduced into North America by Judge O. N. Denny in Oregon in 1881. Some of the earliest recorded attempts at introduction into South Dakota came in 1898. Now, this oft-pursued species adorns t-shirts, keychains, billboards, and even the state quarter. South Dakota is one of only four states that has a hunting season for their state bird (Alaska, Pennsylvania, and California are the others). In 2005, about $153 million was spent by pheasant hunters in South Dakota, with an estimated harvest of 1.9 million pheasants. The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.) was declared the state insect in 1978. Originally from Africa, honey bees were brought to North America by settlers in 1622. These insects have spread throughout the continent. Appeasing more than one person’s sweet tooth, honey bees serve a crucial role in agricultural production as they are the primary pollinators for many crops such as alfalfa, sunflowers, and many types of fruit trees. However, the primary purpose for commercial bee operations is the production of honey. In 2002, South Dakota bee operations produced 11,475,000 pounds of honey (4th in the US) with a value of $16,065,000. Honey bees are also important pollinators of wild species such as sweetclover and wild rose. These plants provide valuable habitat and food for many species of wildlife. Earthworms may seem harmless, but they do pose a threat to forests, for example. For more information, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/ earthworms/index.html Other introduced species sometimes thought to be native to North America include: European Starling (native to Europe) House Sparrow (native to Europe) Common Carp (native to Asia) Mute Swans (native to Europe & Asia) 4 Dakota WILD • May 2008 An exotic snail species has been discovered in Cascade Creek in Fall River County, South Dakota. Melanoides tuberculatus or “Red rimmed melania” is a tropical species native to Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia. However, through its use as a common aquarium species it has been introduced into tropical areas of Central and South America as well as the Gulf Coast region in the United States including Florida, Texas and Louisiana. This species requires temperatures of at least 64ºF to survive but many areas of the world (including South Dakota’s Cascade Creek) have geothermal springs that can literally provide scattered “hot zones” of temperatures hospitable to the snail year round. But how did this tropical snail end up in (very un-tropical), South Dakota!? We may never know the exact means of this particular introduction; however it is likely that this infestation is a result of someone releasing their aquarium pet into the wild. Release of exotic plants and animals into the wild has caused large scale environmental and economic harm across the world. In the case of the red rimmed melania, infestations have contributed to a decline of several native species of invertebrates, fish and birds. In addition to their environmental impact, these snails have also been found to be carriers of parasites for birds, fish and humans. Red rimmed melania are difficult or impossible to remove from a water body after they are introduced. Please never release live animals into the wild. This includes all aquarium species, bait, pets or water garden plants. If you cannot find another home for animals, dispose of them in a trash can or bury them. Seal plants in plastic bags and dispose. For questions about Aquatic Nuisance Species in South Dakota, infestations, threats or to report a ANS sighting, log onto the new South Dakota Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Webpage at http://www.sdgfp.info/ Wildlife/AquaticNuisance/AquaticNuisanceSpecies.aspx. cies Invade State Help Prevent Spread Of Emerald Ash Borer Don’t Import Firewood As you plan your South Dakota camping trip, remember to leave the firewood at home and purchase locally harvested firewood at your campsite. Exotic insects, such as emerald ash borer (EAB) are frequently spread through the transport of infested firewood. Once introduced to new areas, these pests quickly become established and threaten local tree resources. By purchasing locally harvested firewood and burning all wood on site, campers can help minimize this risk. “Our concern is that there may be undetected infestations in a number of states throughout the West and Midwest, so any movement of firewood across state boundaries carries the risk of introducing emerald ash borer into our state,” said Ray Sowers, the State Forester with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Campers should contact their destination campground ahead of time to ask about locally harvested firewood. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that attacks and kills all native ash species. The beetle disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. In South Dakota there are estimated to be over 1,000,000 ash trees. First detected in southeast Michigan in 2002, EAB is also currently present in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Ontario, Canada. About 25 million ash trees are dead or dying in these areas due to EAB. In states where EAB has been detected, the movement of firewood is regulated by state departments of agriculture and federal agencies. Firewood quarantines exist in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Symptoms of EAB include winding tunnels just under the bark, 1⁄8-inch, Dvertical splitting in the bark on the trunk and increased woodpecker activity. The insect itself is bright, metallic green with a flat back. Adults are typically ½ inch long. For more information about identifying ash trees and EAB, visit the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA), Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry’s web site www.state.sd.us/doa/Forestry/ or visit http://www.emeraldashborer.info. If you suspect your ash tree has EAB, call SDDA at 605-773-3623 or toll-free in South Dakota at 1-800-228-5254. shaped exit holes on the trunk, as well as canopy loss, usually from the top down. Trees infested with EAB may also have sprouts growing from the roots or trunk of the tree. Other symptoms include About Emerald Ash Borer Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. Emerald ash borer is also established in Windsor, Ontario, was found in Ohio in 2003, northern Indiana in 2004, northern Illinois in 2006 and western Pennsylvania in 2007. Since its discovery, EAB has: Killed more than 20 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Most of the devastation is in southeastern Michigan. Caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce quarantines (Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) and fines to prevent potentially infested ash trees, logs or hardwood firewood from moving out of areas where EAB occurs. Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars. In South Dakota, the state Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, has been conducting a variety of outreach programs to inform homeowners, municipalities, and campground operators of the signs and symptoms of EAB. South Dakota will also participate in a National Trapping Survey for Emerald Ash Borer in 2008, targeting locations where this insect could be inadvertently introduced. May 2008 • Dakota WILD Custer State Park Offers Guided Mountain Bike Rides Through funding assistance with the Department of Health and Division of Parks and Recreation, Custer State Park is adding a new programming service to its 2008 activity schedule – guided mountain bike rides. The past few years have witnessed an increasing number of mountain bikers entering the Black Hills region. To capture this new audience, Custer State Park is gearing itself with two high-quality mountain bikes and associated supplies for its seasonal staff. The object – try to “grab” the attention of mountain bikers, take them on a guided tour of some beautiful trails, and most importantly, share with them the stories behind the scenery. The park’s existing program will remain intact, offering nearly 75 programs each week for park visitors. The interpretive and educational services program will continue to expound on the significance of Custer State Park. This includes the topics of forest management, fire forestry, wildlife management, buffalo, and an array of historical topics. Some of these interest areas will simply take place from a bike seat ... rather than on foot. Participants will need to supply their own mountain bikes. Rental bikes are available by calling Custer State Park Resort at (888) 875-0001 or info@custerresorts.com. The Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Trail is proposed for usage, located about onemile west of the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center on Hwy 16A. For more information about the planned mountain bike rides or other activities, please visit Custer State Park online http://www.custerstatepark.info or contact the Peter at Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464. Each program is free and open to the general public; however, a valid 2008 park entrance license is required on all entering vehicles. How Can People Prevent Spread of Invasive Species? There is a lot that the private citizen can do to help in the fight against invasive species. Two of the most important things to be done to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species is to clean outdoor recreation gear and to not release an unwanted pet or fish into the wild. http://www.habitattitude.net for more inforVisit mation on how pet and aquarium owners can prevent the spread of invasive species. Aquatic recreationists must be extra careful about the potential of spreading invasive species between bodies of http://www.protectyourwawater. They should visit ters.net for more information. Encourage the planting of native plants in your area. http://www.plantnative.org for a list of native Visit plants, directories of native plant nurseries, and recommended books on native plants. General Recommendations Find out what the most troublesome invasive species are in your local area. Avoid spreading them, and try to control them if you have them on your property. The seeds of invasive plants can easily get transported in mud and dirt. Always remember to clean the dirt out of your hiking boots or off of your vehicle before you leave an area. Find out who the local contacts are in your area that can give guidance and identify unknown species. Don’t bring animals, plants and agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, soil) into the country illegally. Fill out customs declaration forms completely and honestly. Learn more. Become more educated and help spread the word about invasive species. Learn more about your local natural areas and the species in your yard. This will help you identify things that are not native and that might be invasive. Whenever possible, use only native plants that are appropriate for your region. Ask your local nursery to start carrying more native plants. Use exotic ornamentals only if you cannot find a native alternative and you are sure the ornamental is non-invasive. Clean construction machines before moving to a new job site. The mud and soil stuck to the machines can harbor seeds from invasive plants. Try to avoid disturbing natural areas whenever possible. Disturbing natural areas can increase their susceptibility to invasion by exotic species. Help out in your community. Join a local native plant organization or native fish or wildlife group. – Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/invasives/what-you-can-do.html Angostura Rec Area Hosts Kids Nature Day Camps Angostura Recreation Area, located in the southern Black Hills, is once again hosting a series of Nature Day Camps for kids ages 7-12. The camps will take education into the outdoors and expose participants to the various natural features surrounding their communities. Using an assortment of hands-on activities, guided nature hikes, and craft-like projects, participants will be immersed into the program’s monthly themes. Three nature day camps are planned for the 2008 summer season: June 18 (Be a Weather Watcher), July 16 (Geology Detectives), and August 20 (Animal Tracking for Kids). Each camp is conducted on a Wednesday at the Jost Shelter House, with adventures into the surrounding habitat. Each month, the programs start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at noon. Required reservations can be made by calling Angostura Recreation Area at (605) 745-6996 or by contacting Willy Collignon, District Park Manager, at william.collignon@ state.sd.us. There is no fee for this program; however, all vehicles entering the park are required to display a 2008 state park entrance license. For additional program information, visit the Angostura site at http://www.sdparks.info and click on Locate a Park. 6 Dakota WILD • May 2008 South Dakota Promotes Outdoors With Expo The SD Outdoor Expo is a free statewide event with a hands-on educational focus. It will be held May 17-18 at the State Fairgrounds in Huron from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The purpose of the expo is to introduce thousands of families and children to outdoor activities. Through interactive exhibits and activities, it teaches an understanding and appreciation for conservation and outdoor recreation and its importance of preserving our outdoor recreation heritage. SD’s Outdoor Expo will place a premium on a variety of activities to encourage new outdoor participants and enhance the skills of the more experienced. This event will create an opportunity for South Dakotans to share abilities and knowledge about their favorite recreational pursuit with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and with those who can be introduced to the world of outdoor adventure. S.D. Grassland Coalition Plans Second Bird T our The South Dakota Grassland Coalition’s (SDGC) 2008 bird tour will be held June 6-7 in the northeast part of the state on Darwin Peckham’s ranch near Bristol. The annual tour is held in the spring of the year, when the bird activity is at its best. The tour is held on a working ranch so participants get a better understanding on how the landowners and grass managers maintain and protect wildlife habitat. The SDGC had their first bird tour in 2007, and the event was a great success. Over 40 participants on the “At Home on the Range” tour saw nearly 60 different species of birds on two ranches near Rapid City and St. Onge in the Black Hills. Several conservation organizations besides SDGC are involved in the event including South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, and the Tatanka Resource Conservation and Development Council. For more information or to register for the 2008 tour, visit http://www.sdgrass.org/birdtour.htm. Earth Science Week Features ‘No Child Left Inside’ Theme South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks offers a variety of resource and learning trunks, otherwise known as Critter Crates, for loan. The organization recently added a new trunk to this program. The “No Child Left Inside” trunk contains binoculars, bug nets, magnifying glasses, field guides, and more. The trunk provides equipment for group leaders who want to provide an opportunity for youth to experience basic outdoor discovery. This trunk, along with all of the others available for loan, is free, with a required $75 deposit. Information about all of http://www.sdgfp.info/ the crates can be found online at Wildlife/Education/OutdoorCampus/Classes/teachers.htm. New ‘Critter Crate’ Available For ‘No Child Left Inside’ The American Geological Institute (AGI) announced the theme of Earth Science Week 2008: “No Child Left Inside.” Earth Science Week will be held Oct. 12-18 and will encourage young people to learn about the geosciences by getting away from the television and the computer and getting out of doors. AGI hosts Earth Science Week in cooperation with sponsors as a service to the public and the geoscience community. Each year, local groups, educators, and interested individuals organize celebratory events. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first Earth Science Week, held in 1998. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, the AAPG Foundation, International Polar Year, and other major geoscience groups. For more information about Earth Science Week, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org. Importance of Birds Historically, prairies covered much of North America. The variety of these native grasslands supported a group of bird species adapted to the natural disturbances of this ecosystem: grazing, fire, and drought. Upland sandpipers and lark buntings abounded. These vast seas of grassland bird habitat have since seen a change. Much less of the country’s native grassland habitat remains and the frequency, intensity and duration of disturbances have changed. The decrease in grassland bird species populations has been well documented. As a species guild (group of similar species), grassland birds have shown the largest, most consistent population declines in North America. Despite this bleak outlook, there is hope. Western rangelands, lands that have often been deemed too rocky and/or dry to cultivate, now serve as some of the last, best remaining grassland bird habitat. Grassland bird species serve important and varied functions within the rangelands. Each species has adapted to the prairie. Some grassland bird species like tall grass with lots of dead material (litter) for nesting cover. Other species carry out their life cycles in areas with sparse and short grass; their nests are often exposed, while other species require a variety of plant heights and densities. May 2008 • Dakota WILD 7 Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Pierre, SD 57501 Permit No. 24 South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks 523 East Capitol Pierre, SD 57501-3182 Cyber Corner Dakota WILD does not support/advocate on behalf of or endorse any of these resources. We share them for informational purposes only! Several states and the federal government are actively involved in preventing the spread of invasive species, particularly those referred to as aquatic nuisance species. For more information, visit: Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species was formed in 1997 to help limit the introduction, spread and impacts of aquatic nuisance species into the Western Region of North America. http://www.fws.gov/answest/ ANS Task Force The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to preventing and controlling aquatic nuisance species, and implementing the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990. http://www.anstaskforce.gov/default.php 8 Dakota WILD • May 2008 100th Meridian The 100th Meridian Initiative is a cooperative effort between state, provincial, and federal agencies to prevent the westward spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species in North America. http://www.100thmeridian.org National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse An international library of research, public policy, and outreach education publications pertaining to invasive marine and fresh-water aquatic nuisance species in North America. http://www.aquaticinvaders.org Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This site covers Minnesota’s Invasive Species Program, including the threat posed by invading earthworms. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/index.html – Many other online resources are listed throughout this newsletter. Read it near your computer and look for the symbol!