2016 Texas Envirothon

Invasive Species: A Challenge to the Environment, Economy and Society

Key Topics

1. Invasive species and their impacts
2. Pathways of introduction and spread
3. The invasive species management cycle (prevent, detect, respond, control)
4. Roles and responsibilities (government, non-government, the individual)
5. Tools in the toolbox (models, detection tools, monitoring tools, communications)

Learning Objectives

1. Explain what an invasive species is.
2. Describe the economic, social, and environmental impacts of invasive species.
3. Comprehend the effects/impacts of invasive species on aquatic, forest, wildlife and soil ecosystems with specific reference to biodiversity.
4. Explain how ecological impacts may vary by species.
5. Compare theories about the characteristics that assist invasive species in successfully establishing new populations. What makes a good invader?
6. Describe the pathways through which invasive species are introduced.
7. Discuss the stages of the invasive species management cycle and components of an invasive species management plan.
8. Assess the costs associated with controlling an invasive species on a state/province-wide basis.
9. Outline methods of controlling an invasive species.
10. Understand how various levels of government and other organizations are involved in the management of invasive species.
11. Are all invasive species created equal? Describe how risk is assessed.
12. Discuss the means by which invasive species are detected and monitored and have a basic knowledge of models and tools used to monitor invasive species.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of the policies/legislation involved in preventing, detecting, monitoring, and controlling invasive species.
14. Describe the role for non-government and the average citizen in managing invasive species.
15. Investigate ways to reduce the arrival of new invasive species by setting the foundations for environmentally ethical behaviors and sound environmental decision making.
16. Demonstrate knowledge of the various forms of outreach and education being used and assess their effectiveness.

• A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests
• How I turned a deadly plant into a thriving business (video)
• Invasive Species State Resources: Texas
• Lacey Act
• Prescribed Fire / One of the tools in the Prairie Management Toolbox
• TDA: Noxious and Invasive Plants – Texas Department of Agriculture is in charge of regulating terrestrial invasives
• Texas Invasives Database
• The Growing Cost of Invasive Plants  (Infographic)
• The Quiet Invasion: A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
• TPWD: Invasive, Prohibited and Exotic Aquatic Species – TPWD is charged with regulation of aquatic invasives
• USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Search species in Texas)

Recommended Reading

• What are invasive species?
• Invasion of the water snatchers
• Feral hog capture program aims to protect waterways, feed poor
• Invasive plant species threaten Texas waters
• Environmental science graduate student investigates role of invasive Chinese tallow in altering East Texas microbial communities
• The link between climate change and the spread of invasive species
• The rise of the crazy ants
• The roar of the lionfish
• In East Coast marshes, goats take on a notorious invader
• A new lizard in town – Cuban brown anole and its effect on our native species
• Warthogs invade South Texas
• Can we eat away invasive species? Probably not, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try
• The top ten invasive species in Texas
• Possible impact of emerald ash borer in Texas
• Cactus moth poses new invasive species threat to Texas biodiversity
• Officials extend zebra mussel regulations to all Texas lakes
• Just try to kill Nandina!
• AgriLife project weevils damaging invasive giant salvinia at Caddo Lake
• That cuddly kitty is deadlier than you think
• Debate over giant reed arundo: "miracle plant" or next kudzu?
• Out with the new, in with the old: prairie restoration at Sheldon Lake
• House sparrow
• Armored catfish are decimating Texas waterways
• The thirsty tree: confronting invasive salt cedar in the American Southwest

Education and Outreach - Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

• Brazillian Peppertree (brochure)
• Chinese Tallow Tree (brochure)
• The Dangers of Invasive Species (brochure)
• Emerald Ash Borer: The Green Menace (brochure)
• Firewood for Home Heating (infographic)
• Hello Giant Salvinia. Goodbye Texas Lakes. (brochure)
• Hello Zebra Mussels. Goodbye Texas Lakes. (brochure)
• Help Us Corral the Cactus Moth (door hanger)
• Invaders of Texas (citizen science)
• Invasive Species Hide Here (wallet card)
• Moving Firewood Transports Tree-killing Insects and Diseases (rack card)

• Water
• Armand Bayou Nature Center: A Case Study in Invasive Species Management
• Invasive Species Affecting Trees and Forests
• Invasive Species: A History of How Humans Modify their Environment
• Invasive and Nuisance Fauna of Texas
• Battling Invasive Species