ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Plants and animals that aren’t indigenous to Alaska are called invasive species, and they can harm the natural environment.
Now, wildlife and plant biologists across the state are saying the issue is worse than ever before.
“We’re kind of facing the most invasive species we’ve ever faced in Alaska, just with increased travel for both locals and visitors,” said Tim Stallard, an invasive species manager and consultant in Anchorage. “There are more threats and invasive species present than we’ve ever seen before.”
Stallard, who works with various public agencies, identifies and mitigates invasive plant species.
“People planted these originally as an ornamental,” said Stallard, pointing to an area of Anchorage’s Chester Creek Trail where the Mayday tree has eliminated the presence of all other plants. “They’re very cold hearty. They grow well here in Anchorage.”
Not only are they annoying, but the Mayday trees are poisonous …