Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Branstad has declared April “invasive species” month to raise awareness about the problem.
Branstad says. Oriental bittersweet, for example, has spread into Iowa. Its vines climb over and smother trees.
Members of the Trees Forever group and other advocates circled Branstad’s desk as he signed the proclamation. One of them was in costume.
The woman was dressed as an emerald ash borer. By the way, Branstad indicated he’s “not 100 percent sure” on what species of trees are planted at Terrace Hill, but he believes most are shagbark hickory. At last report, Trees Forever officials say that the emerald ash borer has not yet made it to northwest Iowa, but it’s only a matter of time. They say there is no cure for a tree infected with emerald ash borers, there is only prevention. Trees Forever says that if emerald ash borers are within fifteen miles of your property, there is a treatment you can use, but if they are not within fifteen miles, it’s not worth the price. The main thing they emphasize is diversifying tree populations.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the five MOST COMMON invasive species in Iowa are Bush Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, European Buckthorn, Multiflora Rose and Reed Canary Grass.
There are some state laws targeting the introduction of invasive species by land AND by water. For example, it’s illegal to transport an invasive species by boat, so boat owners are to clean off any plants, animals or mud that may be stuck to the boat before transporting the boat to another body of water.
