The Growing Threat of Invasive Species in New York

New York state is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Hudson River Valley to the beaches of Long Island. This diverse environment supports thousands of native plant and animal species. Unfortunately, many non-native invasive species have been introduced and are threatening New York’s biodiversity.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, and other organisms that cause environmental or economic harm. They can be introduced intentionally or accidentally through various means like trade, transportation, escaped pets, and more. Once established, invasive species outcompete native species, degrade habitats, spread disease, and cost significant money to control.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), over 180 invasive species currently inhabit the state They estimate invasive species cost New York hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and control efforts every year. The DEC has an Invasive Species Bureau dedicated to research, management, and public education about this threat

Some of the most problematic invasive species in New York include:

Invasive Plants

• Purple loosestrife – A wetland plant from Europe that crowds out native vegetation. It was likely introduced for flower gardens.

• Japanese knotweed – An aggressive bamboo-like plant that creates dense thickets and damages pavement It came from Asia as an ornamental and for erosion control.

• Hydrilla – A fast-growing aquatic plant that completely clogs waterways and blocks light Fragments spread on boats have enabled it to infest numerous water bodies,

• Garlic mustard – This European woodland plant prevents native plant growth through disrupting soil fungi.

Invasive Animals

• Zebra mussel – Accidentally introduced through ballast water, it clogs pipes and competes with native mussels.

• Emerald ash borer – Native to Asia, this beetle has killed millions of North American ash trees since its detection in 2002.

• Northern snakehead – A voracious Asian fish spreading through the Hudson River system, it can breathe air and “walk” short distances on land.

• Asian longhorned beetle – Larvae of this large beetle from China damage and kill hardwood trees like maple, birch, and willow.

• European starling – This stocky black bird competes with native cavity nesters and causes crop damage. About 200 were released in New York City’s Central Park in the 1890s.

Invasive species arrive in New York through various pathways, both intentional and accidental:

• Shipping/Transportation – Organisms get moved in packing materials, cargo holds, and ballast water. This has introduced species like the Asian longhorned beetle, zebra mussel, and Eurasian boar.

• Landscaping/Horticulture – Popular ornamental plants escape into natural areas. Purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, and burning bush euonymus were introduced for gardens.

• Pet escapes/releases – Releasing unwanted pets can establish species like the northern snakehead fish, bullfrog, and Burmese python.

• Recreation – Boaters and anglers unknowingly spread aquatic hitchhikers on trailered boats, bait buckets, and gear.

• Food production – Farmed species escaping into the wild include the European starling, swine, and common carp.

• Altered landscapes – Human-modified areas and disturbed habitats provide opportunities for invasive species to colonize and spread.

Impacts of Invasive Species

Invasive species affect New York’s environment and economy in many harmful ways:

• Displacing native plants and animals through competition for resources

• Spreading diseases that impact wildlife, forests, and crops

• Preventing native plant growth by disrupting soil nutrients and chemistry

• Degrading habitats and water quality by overconsumption and waste

• Damaging infrastructure like dams, bridges, and power plants

• Requiring extensive control efforts from government agencies

• Reducing recreational opportunities like fishing, hunting, hiking

• Diminishing property values and public safety from dying trees

• Spreading rapidly and unpredictably with few natural controls

Prevention and Control

Preventing invasive species introductions and controlling existing invasives are critical but challenging tasks. Recommended actions include:

• Inspecting and cleaning clothing, gear, and animals between areas

• Learning to identify key invasives

• Avoiding introduction through planting or release

• Reporting new suspected populations

• Monitoring vulnerable habitats

• Establishing early detection-rapid response plans

• Applying integrated pest management techniques like biological controls, pesticides, prescribed fire, grazing, and manual/mechanical control where appropriate

• Raising public awareness through education programs

• Prohibiting high-risk activities like importing invasive plants and animals

While complete eradication of most established invasive species is unrealistic, maintaining a strong prevention and control program can reduce spread and impacts. But continued introductions through global trade and travel mean constant vigilance will be required. Only with committed, coordinated efforts between government, private organizations, and the public can New York manage invasive species and protect its diverse natural heritage.