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Gov. Reynolds Proclaims May As ‘Invasive Species Awareness’ Month

Pictured: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), is one of many invasive species that can be found making its way across Iowa.

Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, has proclaimed May as Invasive Species Awareness Month as part of a statewide effort to draw attention to the impact non-native species have on the state’s ecosystems and economy. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), public and private organizations spend millions of dollars every year to control invasive plants, insects, diseases and animals. Species, such as the emerald ash borer (EAB), Asian longhorned beetle and oriental bittersweet, threaten Iowa’s natural resources by competing with or destroying native wildlife and disrupting the natural habitat system. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreationists visit Iowa’s forests, wildlands and waterways each year and often inadvertently introduce these non-native species. Increased awareness is the first step in slowing this intrusion and can prevent the introduction and spread of unwanted flora and fauna. For more information on invasive species and the problems they cause, follow the link included with this story on our website.

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www.iowadnr.gov/invasives

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