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Invasive Plants What Is An Invasive Species? An invasive species is a plant, fungus, or animal species that is not native to a specific location, and which has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. What Is An Invasive Plant? Invasive plants are introduced multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae, which produce their food by Examples of invasive plants include mosses, herbs, shrubs, flowering plants, trees, vines, etc. An invasive plant has the ability to thrive and spread aggressively outside its native range. A naturally aggressive plant may be especially invasive when it is introduced to a new habitat. Why Should You Care? • Impact nearly half the species listed as threatened or endangered. • Can devastate key industries including seafood, agriculture, timber, hydro- electricity, and recreation. • Impede recreation such as boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, and hiking. • Increase frequency and intensity of wildfires and livestock poisonings. • Destabilize soil and alter hydrology of streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. What Can You Do? • Landscape and garden with native plants. • Do not release pets, aquatic plants, or aquarium water into the wild. • Clean your watercraft, trailer, and fishing equipment. • Control the spread of invasive seeds by washing boots and tires before hiking or biking in a new place. • Get involved! • Help eradicate invasive species by volunteering to pull weeds at your local park. This Packet Includes New York State Invasive Plant List: • Aquatic & Terrestrial Plant Species • Photos of Aquatic & Terrestrial Plant Species Amy E. Walsh Watershed Forester Department of Water & Water Supply 17 Waterboard Road Alcove, NY 12007 [PHONE REDACTED] Peter W. Beck Stormwater Management Coordinator Department of Water & Water Supply 10 North Enterprise Drive Albany, NY 12204 [PHONE REDACTED]