Why Are Invasive Species Harmful?

Prevention of Boating/Fishing: Many invasive plants grow rapidly in our lakes. The dense mats of vegetation they form can restrict or entirely prevent boating and fishing and may make the waterway entirely impassable.

Loss of Native Plants and Animals: Non-native plants often do not provide ideal habitat or food for fish and other aquatic animals. These plants crowd out native vegetation, and the animals that depend on native vegetation must relocate or perish.

Loss of Biodiversity: The spread of invasive species often reduces the biological diversity of the area and can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

Loss of Property Value: The aesthetic appeal, recreational value, and surrounding property values of a lake may decline quickly as the invasive species takes over.

Expensive: Once exotic plants are established, they are almost impossible to eradicate and expensive to control. The United States invests millions of dollars annually to manage these plants and repair the damage.