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 Invasive species usually are non-native species that can invade
an ecosystem causing ecological or economic harm. Without the
factors that kept them in check in their native environment,
invasive species can multiply rapidly, displacing native plants
and animals and degrading habitat. Habitat loss and competition
from invasive species are the primary reasons plants and animals
become threatened or endangered.
“Invasive species threaten prairies, woodlands, lakes and
streams in all corners of Illinois,” Quinn said. “We must fight
to keep these invaders from damaging our natural areas and our
economy.”
This year’s theme is “Invasive Species Affect Everyone.” Anyone
who lives, works or spends time outside in Illinois is affected
by invasive species. All citizens can help combat the
introduction and spread of invasive species in the state.
“Everyone is aware of the devastating effects Asian carp have on
our river systems,” said Illinois Department of Natural
Resources Director Marc Miller. “What many people may not know
is there are many more invasive species of plants and animals
that threaten the natural character of our state.”
Invasive plant species like garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle,
Japanese stiltgrass, autumn olive and buckthorn compete with
native species and reduce biodiversity. The emerald ash borer, a
tiny metallic green beetle native to Asia, is responsible for
killing millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada.
The zebra mussel, round goby and Eurasian water milfoil have a
negative effect on aquatic systems, while feral swine (wild
hogs) damage wildlife habitat and spread disease. Learn more
about these and other invasive species at:
www.illinoisinvasives.org.
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The IDNR Division of Natural Heritage reports that animals and
plants not native to Illinois at the time of European settlement
are considered exotic species. Many species of exotic plants are
harmless and very useful in windbreaks, landscaping, and in
preventing erosion. However, a handful of exotic species do have
the potential to invade natural communities and displace highly
desirable native species.
“Employees of local, county, state and federal agencies assisted
by volunteers throughout Illinois work together to eradicate,
manage or control invasive plants and animals on the ground and
in our waterways,” Miller said. “Gov. Quinn is committed to
working with conservation groups and state agencies to make all
Illinoisans aware of the impacts of invasive species – and the
environmental and economic costs we face if we lose the battle
to control them.”
Increasing public awareness of invasive species is an essential
goal because prevention and early intervention are the most
effective and cost efficient approaches to address the economic
and ecological impacts of exotic invasive species.
About 100 events are planned statewide to allow citizens to
participate in Invasive Species Month Awareness Events. For more
information, and to see a list of events, visit:
www.illinoisinvasives.org .
[Text received; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES]
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