Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program
Leave No Trace
The introduction of non-native species to natural ecosystems is recognized as a significant threat to the native ecological processes. Non-natives may politely coexist with native inhabitants or they may aggressively displace the current species.
The best way to keep a wild area naturally
wild is to prevent the propagation of non-native plants and animals.
This might sound like a simple thing to do, but in
our age where foods are shipped around the world, people fly from coast
to coast, and we throw out what we no longer want, the introduction of
non-native species is hard to control. A parakeet escapes from its cage
in Florida and joins those already flourishing in the warm climate. A
fruit core is tossed out to germinate and begin a grove of new trees. A
foreign clam attaches to a ship and lets go in a port across the ocean,
starting a new colony. Burrs are combed out of a pet's fur and tossed on
the driveway where they are washed down the sewer drain and into a local
marsh.
It is very easy to spread living organisms into new environments. When we explore the wild places of our country, we need to be aware of how we may accidentally disrupt the ecological balance by transporting species in our travels.
What Can I Do?
Lots! Each of us can make a difference in our own
little part of the world, even if we don't go out into the wilds:
Learn what species are non-native. There is a
lot of information at the
National Invasive
Species Information Center where you can find plant,
aquatic, and animal invasive species by state or search. Being able
to recognize the more troublesome species in your area helps you
prepare to fight the problem.
Tell Your Friends. Spreading the word to stop
the spread increases the number of people to help in the battle.
Organizing a short hike of any organization to which you belong can
be a great way to show people just how bad the situation is.
Clean Your House. Take inventory of your yard
and surroundings. Make sure you are not planting any invasive
species that may spread to local natural areas.
Volunteer. Sign up with local groups to help eradicate invasive problem spots. Go out and actually pull plants, help inspect boats, or whatever work is needed.
Do not release unwanted pets. Give your pet to
the local animal shelter where it can be adopted or killed.
Specific jobs for those of us that explore nature
can help prevent the spread of non-native species:
Inspect and wash your boat when you remove it from water. Aquatic hitchhikers spread from lake to lake on props, trailers, and other gear.
Eat carefully. Dropped seeds from snacks and
fruits can grow and produce more seeds in just a year.
Clean your clothes, tent, and gear before packing up camp. Remove stickers, burrs, seeds, mud, and other organic matter from your boots, socks, pants, and other gear. Do this before you move to a new spot - if you sweep out your tent at your new campsite, it's too late. When you clean your gear at home, don't throw the material into your yard - use the garbage. Also, inspect your dog on the trail.
Do not release live bait when fishing.
As
we continue to enjoy our outdoors in ever increasing numbers, our
diligence in preventing and correcting non-native species invasions
becomes more and more important. If we do our part to prevent the spread
before it occurs, we save on the expense and controversy of eradication
projects.
Take the extra few minutes on your paddling trek to
check for hitch-hikers and leave the inhabitants in their rightful
habitats.
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