| Environmental Resources Committee |
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, the Environmental Resources Committee hosted Rob Cotiaux, licensed forester and arborist, to talk about invasive plants: what they are, why we should care, how to identify them, and the available steps to take to remove them.
Many plants have been imported to the United States and introduced either intentionally or accidentally. Some were originally ornamentals that escaped their gardens, while others were deliberately planted for purposes like preventing soil erosion. However, they often lack natural predators and diseases, which then allows them to become dominant in our environments and threaten the survival of native plants.
Invasive plants directly threaten our environment and economy by affecting forest regeneration, destroying critical habitats, eliminating food sources for native animals, threatening recreational and tourist experiences, and decreasing property values. Even though these plants are here (and likely to stay), there are steps each of us should take to help mitigate their impacts:
- Verify the plants you buy are not invasive. Ask your local garden supplier to include more native species.
- Invasive plants often rely on sunlight to outcompete native plants. When clearing or thinning wooded areas on your property, consider maintaining a canopy beneficial to native plants.
- Hand or machine pull invasives whenever possible. If digging them out is not an option, cut them back regularly.
- If herbicides are necessary, always read the label before applying, no matter what kind you use. Improperly used, herbicides can harm native plants and wildlife.
- Download the “Picture This” app to help identify invasives. You can also report invasives at imapinvasives.org.
Below is the list of invasive species discussed and identified. Click on the name of each plant for links to more photos and tips to control and remove them. You can purchase and download the Maine Invasive Field Guide from the Maine Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry here.
— Lauren Jordan, Chair, Environmental Resources Committee
