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Prevention and Management of Invasive Species

Water lilies and a goldfish in a pond

Prevention and Management of Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

Pennsylvania’s aquatic habitats play a critical role in the Lake Erie, Delaware, and Susquehanna watersheds. We share ecological and economic challenges, like the proliferation of invasive species, with neighboring states and provinces; Thus, understanding the interconnectedness of these ecosystems and watersheds is essential. Pennsylvania Sea Grant coordinates initiatives and develops programming, trainings, and resources to address aquatic invasive species through every step in the invasion pathway: prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control and management. We also lead efforts to identify and manage invasive plant species within the Lake Erie watershed.

Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Projects

Aquatic Invasive Species Projects

Aquarium Pet Surrender Events

Pennsylvania Sea Grant, the Erie County Humane Society, and the Herps Alive Foundation host aquarium pet surrender events to provide a convenient and humane alternative to releasing fish, turtles, amphibians, lizards and other aquarium animals into the wild.

 

Terrestrial Invasive Species Projects

Choose Native

The Choose Native initiative is a collaborative effort between PA Sea Grant and Penn State Extension to help cosumers find native alternatives to common ornamental, non-native, or even invasive species used for landscaping and water gardening.

Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Program

Pennsylvania Sea Grant facilitates and leads the Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area program and volunteer efforts to manage threatening invasive species within the Lake Erie watershed.

 

Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Resources

Aquatic Invasive Species Resources

Aquatic Invaders Attack Packs

This toolkit is designed for educators and available for loan. It includes a classroom guide, species models, posters, acrylic block specimens, and a copy of the Pennsylvania Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species.

Aquatic Invasive Species Slide Decks

These “Train-the-Trainer” style PowerPoint slide decks were developed to help identify, manage, and prevent aquatic invasive species in Pennsylvania.

Fact Sheets

Species-specific fact sheets designed for online reading or download. Activity-focused tip sheets highlight ways aquatic invasive species are spread, and prevention tips.

PA AIS App

The “PA AIS” app aligns with the popular print field guide, Pennsylvania’s Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species. The app offers species profiles and real-time reporting methods.

Trainings & Guides

Access to downloadable guides and recorded trainings to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Videos

This series of videos can help any audience better understand the threats of aquatic invasive species and ways to stop their spread.

Terrestrial Invasive Species Resources

Choose Native Field Guide

The Choose Native field guide is a 208-page resource to assist professional landscapers, homeowners, and garden enthusiasts in selecting native species over non-native, ornamental, or even invasive species for landscaping, gardens, and water gardens. The guide is available in English and in Spanish.

Fact Sheets

Species-specific fact sheets designed for online reading or download.

Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area Five Year Plan 

The latest 5-year plan guiding efforts to manage threatening invasive species within the Lake Erie watershed.

 

Conserving Land for Public Access

People outside in the woods in fall

Land Conservation and Public Access Improvement

Pennsylvania Sea Grant works collaboratively with private landowners, state agencies, and environmental organizations in the Lake Erie watershed to conserve ecologically sensitive lands, conserve riparian buffers, and provide dedicated angler access to Lake Erie’s popular fishing tributaries. We also facilitate open space efforts that protect critical habitat, while also providing opportunities for passive, nature-based recreation such as walking and birding.

Coastal and Community Resiliency

lightning bolts in the sky

Resilient Communities, Economies, and Coastlines

Communities across Pennsylvania are experiencing the challenges of a changing climate, extreme weather events, and shrinking natural resources. Pennsylvania Sea Grant works to improve resiliency by connecting partners, decision-makers, and communities to each other, and to the timely and relevant resources that can lead to informed policy decisions, supported economies, and healthy, resilient communities.

Projects

Community Resilience Action Network of Erie (CRANE)

Pennsylvania Sea Grant manages and facilitates CRANE, a collaborative, volunteer group in Erie, PA, whose mission is to develop a climate-smart community through education, equitable community engagement, and the implementation of projects that build resilience to coastal hazards and preserve a vibrant and resilient region.

One Block at a Time

The “One Block” concept is part of a broader partnership to increase community resilience across the Great Lakes. Three Sea Grant programs (Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Minnesota Sea Grant, and Pennsylvania Sea Grant) formed a multi-community work team to address climate hazards in Michigan City and Hammond, Indiana; Duluth, Minnesota; and Erie, Pennsylvania.

Resources

Coming Soon!

Water Quality & Watersheds

fast moving river

Working together with external partners, our watershed and water quality activities take place in the Lake Erie watershed, and in the Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins. All projects seek to increase public understanding and knowledge of watershed issues and to maintain healthy coastal ecosystems.  Activities include identifying and improving upon water quality and quantity issues; planning and implementing priority stream restoration and green stormwater infrastructure projects; and implementing other water-related best management practices that provide numerous and long-lasting benefits for people and the environment.

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