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“LEAVE NO TRACE” THIS SUMMER

By Northern Star Council | May 27, 2022

A QUICK GUIDE TO INVASIVE SPECIES

​Invasive Species should be of concern to all of us. Do you value the opportunities that you have to experience and benefit from outdoor recreation? Do you have a favorite Scout Camp, family vacation destination, camping or hiking place? If you answered yes, then you should be concerned about the impact of Invasive Species and what impact you and others can have on the places that are important and special to all of us.

Invasive Species are animals, plants, or other organisms that are not native or natural to a local Ecosystem. Invasives can throw native/natural ecosystems out of balance.

Invasive Species are broken into two categories

  • Terrestrial:
    • Plants (Buckthorn, Creeping Charlie, Garlic Mustard, Poison Ivy)
    • Animals (Earthworms, Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth, Japanese Beetle)
  • Aquatic:
    • Plants: (Starry Stonewort, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Purple Loosestrife)
    • Animals (Quagga/Zebra Mussels, Common Carp, Sea Lamprey, Rusty Crayfish)

PLEASE PRACTICE THE PRINCIPLES OF “LEAVE NO TRACE”

  • Arrive Clean and Leave Clean. Clean your boat and trailer and other outdoor gear including your camping, fishing, hiking, pets, canoes, kayaks, scuba gear and vehicles.

  • Empty and clean live wells after boating and before visiting another body of water. Clean, Drain, Dry

  • Don’t move firewood. Buy it where you burn it!

  • Clean out your troop trailer at home, not at camp

  • Buy bait in the county where you will use it.

  • Don’t release leftovers into the lake or ground. Throw leftover bait in the trash.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

  • Learn about invasive plants, invasive insects, and invasive animals.

  • Remove invasive plants from your property and replace them with non-invasive ones. Monitor your plants for symptoms of infestation or disease.

  • Volunteer at a local park, reserve, scout camp, and/or nature center.

  • Assist with an Invasive Species removal or Identification program

  • Help with habitat restoration projects.

  • Plant a tree and nurture it!

  • Share your knowledge and talents with our world.

Practice “Leave No Trace”, share your knowledge and talents with our world, and help protect it.

Brought to you by the Northern Star Council Outdoor Ethics/Conservation Committee.

Posted in Camping
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