Pennsylvania has been hit with a slew of invasive species over the years, from spotted lanternflies colonizing Pittsburgh bridges to emerald ash borers destroying the state’s timber stock.
In a report released Monday, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Invasive Species Council recommends a statewide response to tackle the threat of invasive species, including establishing several regional specific programs to combat the growth of invasive plants, insects, pathogens and animals.
Over 600 participants in a survey conducted by the council described firsthand experiences with invasive species. The participants documented nearly 1,500 negative impacts made by more than 100 invasive species.
Respondents said they often encountered invasive species in parks, forests and near streams and rivers. Examples include Japanese knotweed overtaking riverbeds, zebra mussels dominating Raystown Lake and autumn olive outcompeting native field plants.
“The survey results confirm that Pennsylvanians are concerned about protecting their livelihoods and our beautiful ecosystem from the scourge of invasive species,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This council has been tasked with minimizing the harmful ecological, economic and human health impacts of invasive species, and it is critical we act on this survey to fulfill the mandate of protecting the commonwealth’s natural resources.”
Respondents were worried that invasive species would increase the decline of native species, including some official state plants and animals such as the brook trout and eastern hemlock.
Others were concerned that dead ash trees killed by emerald ash borers would increase invasive shrubs and reduce driving visibility and create safety hazards. Residents also were worried that invasive species would grow too much and start to restrict access to lakes, community parks and trails.
Many already have reported damage to agricultural crops done by invasive species.
The nonprofit Council and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts partnered with the state to pilot a small-scale version of a Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program.
The pilot is funded by $210,000 in federal funds and will cover 13 northwest counties in July. It will conduct on-the-ground projects to remove invasive species and educational outreach to help prevent the introduction of invasives, according to a release.
Hundreds of survey respondents said they support a statewide PRISM program to mitigate invasive species issues.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said his proposed budget suggests $34 million to the Department of Environmental protection to combat and respond to emergencies and disasters, as well as $3 million to address the spotted lanternfly and other invasive species.
Ryan Deto is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Ryan by email at rdeto@triblive.com or via Twitter .