A Call to Help Wipe Out Invasive Species

The draft “West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan” is now available for public comment.

Curtis Taylor, section chief, said non-native invasive plants, animals and pathogens cost the state millions of dollars annually. They have no native predators and can hurt biodiversity.

Taylor says they reduce timber regeneration, lower mast production, degrade wildlife habitats and lower stream quality.

Recommended management goals include:

• Coordination
• Prevention
• Early Detection
• Rapid Response
• Control and Management
• Research and Risk Assessment, and
• Education and Outreach

Contact:

Curtis I. Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief: 304-558-2771 Curtis.I.Taylor@wv.gov
Whitney Bailey:  304-637-0245 whitney.bailey@mail.wvu