Compared to other states, Alaska hosts a low number of non-native invasive plant species. However, many of these plants are considered highly invasive, are widely distributed, and have invaded natural areas where the potential for economic and ecological harm is high. A few of these species are already causing significant environmental damage at regional or local scales. Other highly invasive plants are largely confined to the “human footprint” but have the potential to invade natural areas. Acting early to eradicate priority species and infestations will be critical to safeguarding fish and wildlife habitat, natural resource-based economies, and subsistence resources.
In Southeast Alaska, most of the landscape is free of invasive plants; infestations tend to be concentrated along road systems and in cities, towns, and villages. Invasive plant survey and control work is being conducted by only a few individuals who often work independent of one another. Despite their dedication, the magnitude of the invasive plant problem is much greater than the level of their impact, at least regionally and often locally. Effective invasive plant management in our region will benefit greatly from a coordinated, collaborative, and strategic approach to invasive plant management that involves all relevant stakeholders working together with guidance and support from a dedicated regional coordinator.
Are you an experienced biologist who wants to pursue your professional goals as part of a fun and productive team? Are you tired of agency bureaucracy? Craving flexibility? Does your creative spirit need to be unleashed? Consider joining SAWC. We are a small but growing non-profit watershed organization with a professional staff of 5 full-time employees. With an expanding program of work, we are looking to add new capacity in the form of a Regional Invasive Plant Management Coordinator for Southeast Alaska.
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