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Invasive Species & Resources
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native species (including seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagules) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. The term "invasive" is used for the most aggressive species. These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are present.
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in Connecticut
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has issued a Quarantine Order with defined restricted areas for the exotic pest spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This insect has been detected in Connecticut with established populations detected in Fairfield and New Haven Counties and single individuals intercepted in numerous towns. The spotted lanternfly is a new plant pest to the United States and represents a threat to Connecticut’s environment, residential areas, and agricultural interests, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. The purpose of this quarantine is to slow the spread of SLF within the state and provide for certification of Connecticut businesses for movement of regulated articles out of state and help protect the economic interests of the state’s agricultural industries by suppressing, controlling or eradicating infestations of spotted lanternfly in regulated areas.
Spotted Lantenfly in Greenwich
If you encounter any of these invasive species, please report them here
Things to know about invasive species:
- Invasive species, if left uncontrolled, can and will limit land use now and into the future.
- The longer we ignore the problem the harder and more expensive the battle for control will become.
- Invasive species can decrease your ability to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and other outdoor recreational activities.
- The United States suffers from $120 billion per year in economic losses due to exotic, invasive species.
- Approximately 42% of Threatened or Endangered species are at risk due to non-native, invasive species.
University of Connecticut, UConn, has a working group and website dedicated to CT invasive plant species, called the CT Invasive Plant Working Group. Their website has a myriad of resources and information available, which includes:
- Invasive Plant List, also reprinted with scientific names.
- Invasive Plant Management Calendar
- Specific information regarding control (physical and chemical)
Invasive Species Resources | |
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England | IPANE |
Invasive Plant List CT State Resources | US Department of Agriculture |
The Scoop on Invasive Plants | CT Audubon |
Invasives in Connecticut | CT DEEP |
Aquatic Invasives | CT DEEP |
Invasive Plant List | Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group |
Invasive Management | USDA |
Invasive Plants in your Backyard | CT River Coastal Conservation District |
Boat Cleaning Tips "Clean, Drain, Dry" technique | CT DEEP |
CT Invasive aquatic plant, clam & mussel identification guide | Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station |
Why Do We Care if Non-native Plants Enter Our Water Bodies? | CT DEEP |
Releasing Bait and Aquarium Pets | CT DEEP |
Best Management Practices for Vessel Decontamination | CT DEEP |