According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), an invasive species is non-native to the ecosystem and causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals or other organisms. Invasive species need to be controlled because they often spread aggressively and replace native species, but do not provide the same ecosystem services, wildlife habitat or economic value.
Multiple Indiana agencies have been working for many years to combat invasive plants and raise public awareness of the devastation being caused by these non-native pests. These agencies have come to the realization that progress will not be made until the problem is addressed at the local level by local people using local resources.
In the fall of 2018, Arrow Head Country RC&D, made up of ten area counties, joined forces with Southern Indiana Invasives Species Management (SICIM) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to hire a Northwest Invasive Species Resource Specialist. As a member of Arrow Head Country RC&D, Marshall County SWCD will work with the new Resource Specialist to form a local group whose mission and focus is combating invasive species.
If you need help with an invasive species on your land, or if you would like to get involved with this new group, please call the SWCD office at 574-936-2024 x 3.
