Resource Search
Provides access to all site resources, with the option to search by species common and scientific names. Resources can be filtered by Subject, Resource Type, Location, or Source. Search Help
Displaying 201 to 220 of 658
Firewood Map
-
Nature Conservancy. Don't Move Firewood.
-
October is Firewood Month! Learn about firewood rules and how moving firewood hurts our environment and economy by spreading invasive species. Provides specific state information on their firewood regulations and recommendations (includes Canada and Mexico).
-
Firewood Transport as a Vector of Forest Pest Dispersal in North America: A Scoping Review
-
Feb 2021
-
Cornell University. New York Invasive Species Research Institute.
-
A cozy campfire for summer days, a warm fireplace for winter evenings– the use of firewood is an "established cultural norm". However, moving firewood from place to place can have devastating consequences, as it can spread forest pests that decimate forests to collectively cost an estimated $4.2 – $14.4 billion per year. In order to better address the problem of people moving firewood and vectoring forest pests, Solano and colleagues examined trends and gaps in the existing literature on firewood and human-mediated forest pest movement in North America. The existing literature demonstrates the risk of firewood movement, but fails to address the level of awareness the public has on such risks, or the level of effectiveness of firewood regulations to prevent forest pest spread.
-
First Genome of Spotted Lanternfly Built from a Single Insect
-
Oct 16, 2019
-
USDA. Agricultural Research Service.
-
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists, in cooperation with Pacific Biosciences and Penn State University have successfully reconstructed the genome of spotted lanternfly, paving the way for understanding it's biology and behavior. Not only is it the first published genome for this pest, but no closely related species has had its genome sequenced, making the data even more important.
-
First Michigan Detection of Invasive Hydrilla Triggers Response
-
Oct 2, 2023
-
Michigan.gov. Michigan Invasive Species Program.
-
Hydrilla, considered one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, has been detected for the first time in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy confirmed two small populations of the plant in adjacent private ponds on residential properties in Berrien Springs in Southwest Michigan.
The small patches of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) were discovered during routine monitoring following treatment for another invasive plant, parrot feather, which was found in the pond in 2020. Both species are prohibited in Michigan, meaning it is unlawful to sell, possess or import them into the state, and both are on Michigan’s invasive species watch list due to their potential environmental threat. Any suspicious aquatic plants should be reported as soon as possible to EGLE-WRD-AIP@Michigan.gov. Include close-up photos and provide the location of the detection in your report. More information on identifying and reporting invasive aquatic plants can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
-
First Occurrence of Mile-a-Minute Weed Confirmed in Maine, Urgent Action Required
-
Aug 8, 2023
-
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.
-
The Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has recently verified the first known occurrence of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) in Maine. This fast-growing invasive vine, native to India, Asia, and the Philippine Islands, poses a significant threat to nurseries, Christmas tree farms, reforestation projects, and restoration areas, as it can smother young plants and trees under its dense growth.
Invasive species like mile-a-minute weed have the potential to cause severe harm to Maine's environment and economy. As part of our commitment to controlling and eradicating this invasive plant, the DACF urges the public to report any potential sightings promptly. If you encounter a vine resembling mile-a-minute weed, please visit the Maine Natural Areas webpage for identification information. If the plant matches the description, we encourage you to take photos, note the location, and report the finding via email to Invasives.MNAP@maine.gov or call (207) 287-7545.
-
First Study to Track a Wild Bird Known to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
-
Oct 26, 2022
-
DOI. United States Geological Survey.
-
For the first time, scientists have tracked the movement of a wild bird known to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza in North America. The new research, led by the U.S. Geological Survey, can help improve estimates of when and where the virus could spread in the environment and to other birds.
-
Fish and Game Completes Fish Surveys Following Quagga Mussel Treatment
-
Dec 4, 2024
-
Idaho Department of Agriculture.
-
Quagga mussels were found in the Snake River in September 2023. Immediately afterwards, Idaho Fish and Game assisted the Department of Agriculture in their evaluation of potential treatments to eliminate the mussels, and Idaho Fish and Game quantified the fish populations found in the six-mile stretch of river where the mussels were found, and where the treatment would occur. Biologists quickly learned that the treatment caused high mortality in certain species, while others survived quite well.
-
Fish as Feed/Fish as Food
-
Jul 31, 2023
-
USDA. ARS. Tellus.
-
Research and commerce use a two-pronged ‘fork’ approach to deal with invasive fish. As many anglers know, carp are not welcome when found dangling from the hook. Classified by U.S. government as an invasive species and known colloquially as a “trash fish,” carp can take over and devastate every watery environment they enter. They’re not particularly well known in this country as good eating fish, either. To help curb the numbers of invasive fish, researchers and commerce are using a two-pronged ‘fork’ approach to deal with the invasive fish.
-
Five Ways Climate Change is Intensifying the Threats to Plant Health
-
May 12, 2022
-
UN. Food and Agriculture Organization.
-
Plants are humans’ best friends and main allies in life on earth. Plants are responsible for 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe and make up 80 percent of our daily calorie intake. However, we often take them for granted, not realizing the importance of keeping them healthy. Every year up to 40 percent of food crops is lost to plant pests and diseases. These losses in both yields and income have a devastating effect on the poorest communities who base their livelihoods on agriculture.
-
Florida Eradicates Giant African Land Snail
-
Oct 8, 2021
-
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
-
This week, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Plant Industry (DPI), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced the eradication of the giant African land snail (GALS) from Broward and Miami-Dade counties. This eradication announcement marks only the second time this pest has been eradicated in the world, both in South Florida. For the past 11 years, the FDACS Division of Plant Industry has worked toward eradication through multiple rounds of visual surveys and inspections, K-9 detector dog surveys and inspections, manual collection and treatment programs. In total, 168,538 snails were collected from 32 core population areas comprised of thousands of properties.
The giant African land snail is a highly invasive agricultural pest, known to feed on over 500 varieties of plants. They also pose a risk to humans and animals by carrying rat lung worm, a parasite that can cause meningitis in humans. Both the USDA and DPI will continue to remain vigilant in their commitments to safeguard American agriculture through surveys, early detection, and rapid response. The public should continue to watch for the snails and report suspects to the FDACS-DPI hotline at 1-888-397-1517.
-
Florida FWC Approves Rule Changes to Help Protect Florida from 16 High-Risk Invasive Reptiles
-
Feb 25, 2021
-
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
-
At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles. The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative snakes and lizards that pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, and human health and safety. For more information, see New Rules for Invasive Nonnative Reptiles.
-
Florida Python Challenge
-
May 17, 2023
-
State of Florida.
-
The Florida Python Challenge® (August 4-15, 2023) is an exciting conservation effort which helps protect the rare Everglades habitat and the animals that live there from these invasive, nonnative snakes.
See also: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces 2023 Florida Python Challenge (May 17, 2023)
-
Florida Python Challenge 2020 Python Bowl Kicks Off in South Florida
-
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
-
On Jan 10, 2020, the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl officially kicked off in South Florida with more than 550 people registered for the competition to remove as many pythons from the wild as possible. Native to Southeast Asia, pythons pose a significant threat to Florida’s native wildlife. Under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) have teamed up with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and other partners to support the Committee’s Ocean to Everglades (O2E) initiative, which features the Python Bowl. It’s not too late! People interested in taking part in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org.
-
Florida Python Hunters May Have a New Tool Thanks to Optics Research at UCF
-
Jun 10, 2021
-
University of Central Florida.
-
Researchers have published a first- of-its-kind study that shows that near-infrared (NIR) spectrum cameras can help python hunters more effectively track down these invasive snakes, especially at night.
-
Flying to the Rescue
-
Dec 12, 2023
-
USDA. ARS. Tellus.
-
ARS vaccine helps to defend rare bird from avian influenza. Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently joined other federal agencies to take emergency action to protect one of America’s endangered species, the California condor.
-
Food Security: How Do Crop Plants Combat Pathogens?
-
Sep 22, 2022
-
USDA. ARS. Down on the Farm.
-
ARS Science Leads Way in Screening at the Molecular Level. Fungal pathogens represent a large and economically significant challenge to crops worldwide. The challenge is so great, in fact, diseases caused by fungal pathogens can cause crop losses of 10-20% (worth $100-$200 billion) each year. Historically, a variety of biological, chemical, and mechanical methods have been used to fight fungal diseases, Lately, though, researchers have focused on molecular methods to develop disease-resistant crops, which would reduce the need for, and damage caused by, chemical fungicides.
-
Foot-and-Mouth Disease and a Collaborative Response from the U.S. and Mexico
-
USDA. ARS. National Agricultural Library.
-
This Story from NAL's Collection invites readers to appreciate the complex history of foot-and-mouth disease and the relationship between the United States and Mexico. It briefly chronicles the 1946-1954 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Mexico and how the United States and Mexican governments worked together to eradicate the disease.
-
Forestcast Podcast
-
USDA. FS. Northern Research Station.
-
From the forefront of forest research, the Northern Research Station invites you inside the largest forest research organization in the world — the USDA's Forest Service. In each podcast episode, you’ll hear stories, interviews, and special in-depth anthologies of the science that's studying, questioning, and solving some of today's most compelling forest issues.
Non-native invasive insects and pathogens are causing significant ecological damage to forests worldwide. The first season explores biological invasions — and their repercussions — in the Midwest and the Northeast. The second season examines tree breeding and selection to promote resistance to invasive insects and diseases.
-
Forests for Bats: New Booklet for Landowners and Managers
-
May 6, 2021
-
USDA. FS. Southern Research Station. CompassLive.
-
"Almost all North American bats rely on forests for survival," says Roger Perry, USDA Forest Service research wildlife biologist. Perry recently led the team that updated Forest Management and Bats, a booklet designed for private landowners and anyone managing forests. It was first published in 2006 by Bat Conservation International, and Daniel Taylor of BCI wrote the original version and contributed to the update. The updated publication is a 2020 product of the White-nose Syndrome National Plan.
-
Four New Resources for Pacific Invasive Species Battlers!
-
Aug 24, 2020
-
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
-
Four new publications have been added to the 'Pacific Invasive Battler Series,' and are now available for free download from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), to help Pacific practitioners, environmental managers, government and community members in specific areas of invasive species management.
Developed through the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS), the Battler Series is an important resource for those working to restore ecosystems and manage invasive species. It provides tested best practice approaches through step by step guidance, case studies and visual aid for those battling invasive species. The series provides information and case-studies that can assist those working in the field and is written in a user-friendly way. There are now 15 publications in the Pacific Invasive Battler Series, and they are available for download on the Battler Resource Base.
-