What are the Impacts of Invasive Species?
Invasive species have profound & broad impacts on our ecosystems, municipal & industrial infrastructure, & agricultural processes.
Park County is a critical location for the prevention of invasive species. It serves as a refuge for wildlife & fisheries, playground for recreators, prime area for agricultural production, & beloved home to many.
Wildlife & Fisheries Impacts
Invasive species are a leading cause of global biodiversity loss. Some of the ways they impact our native wildlife & fisheries are by outcompeting for available food & habitat resources, changing or damaging habitat structures, or reducing overall habitat quality.
Two examples of species of concern for Park County’s wildlife & fisheries are:
New Zealand Mudsnail
Spotted Knapweed
Recreational Impacts
Recreation is an important part of life for many Montanans & visitors to Park County. Invasive species impede stream & river access, reduce streamflow, increase soil erosion, & alter fire regimes.
Two examples of concern for Park County recreators would be:
Didymo
Houndstongue
Agricultural Impacts
Agricultural production can be severely impacted by invasive species. The reduction of biodiversity can impact crop pollination. Some invasive species reduce soil quality, change flood & fire regimes, & block water access for grazing livestock.
Two species of concern for Park County’s producers are:
Saltcedar
Ventenata
Municipal & Industrial Impacts
One impact we rarely discuss publicly about invasive species is their impact on municipal, utility, & industrial infrastructure. Invasive species can damage irrigation & water infrastructure, reduce tree cover, alter fire regimes, & reduce community resilience to climate change. Park County residents & visitors alike are reliant upon working utilities.
Two species of concern for utility & municipal managers are:
Zebra Mussel
Emerald Ash Borer
Want to know more?
Click on the links to learn more about species of concern in Park County and how to report invasive species in Montana.
This project is funded in part by
Park County Community Foundation.
