Tom Mangan has a very imformative article on Trailspace.com regarding the threats of invasive species and how to limit their spread. He discusses in detail threats posed by Mountain pine beetles, wooly adelgids and the Emerald Ash Borer, but also mentions that trees aren't the only species at risk.
Especially in the west, the Mountain pine beetle is decimating thousands of acres of pine forests in the Rockies. Not mentioned in the article is the threat of massive wildfires in the areas that are now ghost forests.
Mr. Mangan also posted tips that were issued by the National Parks Service for fighting the spread of invasive species:
• Wash your vehicle to get plant materials out of your tires and undercarriage.
• Rinse gear, pressure-wash boats, skis, and other vehicles on site; organisms can get into any place water can get into. Use hot water if available.
• Clean your shoes or boots by knocking dirt and plant materials out of the treads. Carry a boot brush in your car or pack. Rinse soles.
• Wear short gaiters to keep sticky seeds out of your socks.
• Shake out your tent and other gear at the campsite to remove any plant or seed materials.
• Brush off or wash your pets if they have been out romping in the parks. Sticky seeds can hitchhike on their fur.
You can read the full article by clicking here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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