All About Invasive Species
An invasive species is a plant or animal that has been introduced from another part of the world into an environment where it does not naturally occur. These species can live in water (aquatic) or on land (terrestrial). Most invasive species spread today because of human activity. Sometimes they are intentionally introduced as ornamental plants in landscaping. Other times they arrive accidentally on boats, gear, or vehicles.Because of the damage they cause, invasives are one of the biggest threats to healthy lakes, streams, and shorelines.
Why are Invasive Species a Problem?
Many invasive species have traits that allow them to survive and reproduce faster than native plants and animals. Without natural predators or controls, they can spread quickly and outcompete native species for sunlight, space, and food. When invasive species take hold, they often become impossible to completely eradicate, leaving long-term—and often costly—management as the only option.In the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, invasive species can:
- Reduce overall plant and wildlife diversity
- Damage important habitat such as fish nurseries
- Restrict fishing, boating, and other recreational activities
- Require costly long-term control efforts
- Reduce shoreline property values
Invasive species of concern include:
- Coltsfoot
- Curly-leaf pondweed
- Eurasian watermilfoil
- Phragmites
- Purple loosestrife
- Quagga mussels
- Yellow iris
- Zebra mussels
How does the Glen Lake Association Fight Invasive Species?
Preventing and eradicating invasive species is one of the Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) top priorities.
Preventing invasive species is far easier and less expensive than trying to control a widespread infestation. Thanks to the support of local landowners, partner organizations, and GLA members, we’ve made significant progress protecting this cherished watershed.The GLA’s invasive species program focuses on key strategies:
- Preventing invasives from entering the watershed
- Monitoring efforts to help identify infestations early
- Targeted removal of invasives using appropriate control methods
- Protecting and restoring native plants and habitats
For more than a decade, the GLA has partnered with local landowners to remove terrestrial invasives along more than 20 miles of shoreline. Removing these plants allows native vegetation to recover, helping stabilize shorelines, filter runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife.
For aquatic invasive plants, the GLA performs regular surveys by boat or with underwater remotely operated vehicles. When an aquatic invasive species is identified, our team acts quickly to remove the invader and stop further spread.
One way the GLA prevents aquatic invasives is at the GLA Boat Wash located at 7075 W. Day Forest Rd. This hot-water-equipped station helps ensure boaters remove plant and animal material from their boats. In the battle against invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), every wash matters. Just one tiny EWM fragment carried in on a boat can take root and grow into a new colony, making this work more important than ever.
How can i help?
Everyone has a role to play in watershed protection. The actions you take today can help prevent invasive species infestations in the future.- If your watercraft or equipment has been in another lake or river, please be sure to use our free boat wash before launching into Glen Lake.
- When landscaping, use native plants whenever possible and ensure that your plan does not include invasive species.
- If you see an invasive species in the water or on land, contact us with the invasive’s location by emailing contact@glenlakeassociation.org.
- Become a member of the GLA and support our work of preventing and removing invasives from the watershed.