Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Online Training

Know It, Report It, Stop It – Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Online Training

October 15, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Register today!

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that can harm the environment, economy, and human or animal health. They often spread by attaching to boats, gear, footwear, and other recreational equipment, moving easily to new locations. Once introduced, AIS are difficult to manage, nearly impossible to eradicate, and can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and cost communities time, money, resources, and lost revenue. Join us to learn about effective responsive strategies and how early, coordinated action can help limit the impacts of aquatic invasive species.

Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) is critical to protecting Pennsylvania’s waters from the impacts of aquatic invasive species. The Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Sspecies (AIS) Rapid Response Plan, which was approved by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania in September 2014, provides a roadmap for personnel responding to AIS – from reporting to action.

The Know It, Report It, Stop It: Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Training will walk participants through Pennsylvania’s AIS Rapid Response Plan and provide practical guidance for agency staff, conservation officers, researchers, and partners who may encounter invasive species in the field. Participants will:

• Learn about the steps of Pennsylvania’s Rapid Response process.
• Understand what to do when a new or suspected species is discovered.
• Get guidance on how to properly report findings.
• Explore examples like the Pine Run Water Chestnut response, below.
• Gain insight into coordination, communication, and management actions.
• Explore opportunities to support rapid response activities through funding and technical assistance programs

Rapid Response in Action: Responding to Water Chestnut in Mercer County

Read and download the Water Chestnut fact sheet to learn more

In June 2018, staff from the Mercer County Conservation District discovered an unusual plant spreading rapidly across six acres of Pine Run Impoundment. The plant was identified as Water Chestnut (Trapa natans), an aquatic invasive species capable of forming dense mats that choke waterways, reduce oxygen levels, and disrupt recreation and native habitats.

A rapid response effort quickly followed. Local staff, state park personnel, and volunteers first attempted hand pulling but soon realized the infestation was too extensive. Mechanical harvesting wasn’t feasible, leaving herbicide treatment as the best option. With support from partners including the Crawford County Conservation District and the PA Lake Management Society (PALMS), the Mercer County Conservation District launched a coordinated treatment plan, which included education and outreach opportunities. Over the following years, the infestation was significantly reduced, though management efforts continue today.