Invasive species conference hosted in Fairbanks
October 16, 2019
The Alaska Invasive Species Workshop, Oct. 22-24 in Fairbanks, will highlight early
detection and prevention of invasive species.
The annual event kicks off with a public lecture at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors Center. Katherine Wyman-Grothem, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service in Minnesota, will talk about how to analyze the risk of aquatic invasive
species when deciding where to direct prevention efforts.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Alaska Invasive
Species Partnership will host the workshop at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, 1850 Hoselton
Drive.
Coordinator Gino Graziano said the workshop helps coordinate invasive species management
efforts and makes individuals or agencies aware of new concerns, particularly those
that could cause economic or environmental damage.
One relatively new concern is the spread of nonnative ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
A researcher from the University of Alaska Anchorage will discuss which ticks are
here and which ones have pathogens. The information comes from a surveillance project
conducted by UAA, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Environmental
Conservation.
“There is real concern that moose winter tick is up here,” Graziano said.
Although it has not been spotted in Alaska, Graziano said the tick is present among
mule deer in the Yukon, and some deer have migrated to the Interior. The ticks suck
substantial amounts of blood and make animals scratch, which causes damage to their
insulating winter coats.
Several workshop presentations concern the detection and management of elodea, an
invasive aquatic species that aggressively crowds out native species and is difficult
to control. Graziano said the plant can grow into places where salmon spawn and present
navigation risks to boats and planes.
Other presentations will cover prevention efforts, including watercraft and seaplane
inspections, public outreach and wildland fire training. Reports will describe management
efforts to control northern pike in Shell Lake and Prunus padus, a type of chokecherry
tree that has spread in Fairbanks, Anchorage and other communities.
The agenda and registration information are available at www.uaf.edu/ces/invasives/conference. For more information, contact Graziano at 907-786-6315 or gagraziano@alaska.edu.