Invasive Plants and Potentially Invasive Plants

Alaska Chapter June 26 Lunch and Learn

Hosted by Bettisworth North

Joni Johnson, Invasive Plant and Pesticide Use Coordinator, Forest Service Alaska Region, presented issues regarding invasive species, summarizing the invasive plant program and ongoing activities to help control invasives.  Plants are considered invasive species when they cause economic and environmental damage to native Alaska species.  Landscape Architects specify both native and non-native plants in their designs for both existing and proposed projects throughout the state. Knowledge and understanding of the impacts of invasive species on the Alaska environment is important.  A discussion of plants that may be considered invasive that are not currently on the list included Siberian pea shrub, cotoneaster, Amur Chokecherry, rosa rugosa and lilac.