Invasive species prevention and containment should be top priority for all natural resource professionals.
Those working in the field can accidentally spread ANS and other invasive species from one location to another. Following proper procedures when moving from site to site, always moving downstream, for instance, will protect the environment. By following these simple steps, you can help protect your business investments, enhance work relationships, and preserve natural resources by preventing the spread of invasive species:
Go to Field Sites Clean
Before leaving the shop or office, take time to inspect your vehicle and equipment, and remove plants, seeds, insects, animals, and mud.
Plan Ahead
When moving from site to site, begin at a negative site (or the least infested site) and finish at the positive site (or most infested site). Between sites, use a brush or hand tool to remove accumulations of mud or plant debris, and disinfect gear. Use designated equipment for positive or infested sites.
Leave the Field Clean
Before leaving the field site, inspect your vehicle, trailer, boots, nets and equipment. When available, use a power washer or air compressor to remove any plants, seeds, insects, animals, and mud. When these are not available, use a brush or other hand tool to knock off debris.
Aquatic Equipment and Gear—Clean, Drain, Dry
Aquatic professionals should follow state watercraft inspection and decontamination procedures to inspect and decontaminate boats, trailers and gear in between each and every launch. When working in areas without a hot water decontamination unit, aquatic professionals should choose one of the other four options for decontamination of gear.
Minimize Introductions During Projects
Use Weed Free Materials
When bringing soil, gravel, or other material onto a work site, check your sources to make sure they are weed free. Where the only available sources are not weed free, scrape off the top 6 inches and set aside. Use the newly exposed material for the project.
Burn or Utilize Wood Waste
Pallets, packing material, and containers made from untreated wood can harbor plant or insect invaders. Plan ahead to either completely burn or utilize all wood waste
