The recent record rains across Texas have brought a welcome end to the drought in Texas. However, they have also wrought tragic destruction and loss of life, along the Blanco River and in other places around the state. We are sure we speak for everyone involved in the battle to manage invasive species in the state when we send out our deepest sympathies to those who have lost property and especially loved ones.

The floods also have implications for managing invasive species, some good and some troubling. Troubling implications include the increased probability that various invasive species may spread, because their propagules have been carried downtream. Examples include flood overflow from flooded lakes infested with zebra mussels, and giant reed being swept from banksides and deposited downstream. A welcome efffect is the tremendous rises in lake levels seen in the Highland Lakes. Populations of saltcedar that took hold during the drought are now inundated and will die (see pictures to right).

Once the needs of the flood survivors are met, the process of determining the extent of the effects on invasive species will begin in earnest.

From under the Loop 360 Bridge over the Colorado River in Austin, Texas Parks and Wildlife and its partners kicked off a $400,000 ad campaign to help save the Highland Lakes near Austin. The new campaign is designed to raise awareness among boaters and other water users about the threat posed by spreading zebra mussels. There will be more about this compaign in the next iWire.

Learn more at TWPD's website, TWCNews.com and LubbockOnline.com.

Learn more about preventing zebra mussels at Texasinvasives.org.

As with many floating aquatics, crested floating heart will grow rapidly, covering the surface and shading out other aquatic plants and algae, disrupting the entire food web. As it dies and decomposes it can negatively impact water quality and other species.

It was intentionally introduced as an ornamental plant for water gardens and subsequently escaped. It is still widely available from on-line sellers. 

It can spread when fragments float to new locations. Control is difficult once established. Any attempt at physical or mechanical control will lead to fragments that will root, leading to further infestation. It has been found to be resistant to most herbicides, with those that affect it offering only temporary, somewhat effective control.

The best control method for controlling crested floating heart is preventing infestation in the first place. Water recreationsits should clean, drain and dry their boats, trailers, and equipment to prevent spreading this highly invasive species.

Follow this link to learn more about crested floating heart..

Feeling hungry? Here are two items about eating invasive species you may find interesting.  First, the Texas A&M Society for Ecological Restoration Student Association ended the semester with their traditional "Eat Your Enemy" potluck. Top dishes this year were: Exotic Earthworms and Dirt, German Cockroach Casserole, and Bastard Cabbage and Tropical Soda Apple Salad. (Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter Restoration Update, May, 2015 )

Second, Reef.org has a cookbook for you: Lionfish Cookbook.  The title says it all.  Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) “is a grass-roots organization that seeks to conserve marine ecosystems by educating, enlisting and enabling divers and other marine enthusiasts to become active ocean stewards and citizen scientists.”  

The Texas Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration will be holding its annual conference November 13-15, 2015 at Trinity University, San Antonio. One of the field trips will be to Hixon Ranch where the focus will be on the management of buffelgrass and other non-native grasses. Please check their website for more information as conference plans develop: 2015 Conference Information

Brazilian Pepper Tree Removal Focus of New Texas Gulf Coast Cooperative Weed Management Area
The Texas Gulf Coast Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) was established just last year by the City of Port Aransas and initial partners the Texas A&M Forest Service and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  Its main focus is to address the problem of the Brazilian pepper tree in the Port Aransas area. View the video they produced describing their efforts to manage this invasive species.

National Trails Day
On June 6, 2015, Austin Parks Foundation, Hill Country Conservancy, and Texas Conservation Corps are partnering to host Austin's local National Trails Day (NTD), the American Hiking Society's nationwide trails awareness program. This year, in addition to trail work projects, there will also be several educational opportunities to take guided hikes at some of Austin's favorite and hidden trails. Come out and work to improve the trails, restore habitat by removing invasives, or come discover some of Austin's most beautiful places! Read more at Austin Parks website.

Glyphosate-resistant Weeds Risks High, Kudzu Reported in Colorado County
Herbicide-resistant invasive plant species can make control even more difficult.  For example, glyphosate-resistant water hemp and Palmer amaranth have become relatively widespread in Texas in recent years. The exceptionally wet fall, winter and now spring is causing concern for a high risk of spread. Recommendations for managing glyphosate resistant weeds are discussed in this article. In addition, kudzu has been reported in Colorado County. Read more at Southwest Farm Press.

Pest Invasion Likely Across Southwest
New Mexico State University entomologists say a combination of a wet winter and spring and the encroachment of new and varied invasive insect pests from surrounding states and Mexico could cause problems this year for agricultural producers across the Southwest, including risks to New Mexico's prized alfalfa and chile crops. Read more at Southwest Farm Press. 

The Monk Parakeet: Tracking an Invasive Bird
A new genetic study of introduced monk parakeet populations in the United States and Europe suggests they came from the same small area in Uruguay.  In addition, the populations unexpectedly have lower genetic diversity than the native populations.  The monk parakeet occurs in at least 14 US states, with the highest concentrations in Florida and Texas.  Read more at ScienceDaily.

Non-Native Grass Invasion, Prescribed Fires, Deadly Ecological Combination
Research in southern Indiana suggests that using prescribed fires to control stiltgrass can actually  increase the likelihood that this invasive species will remain.  Fires in stiltgrass-invaded areas can be more intense, killing native trees and therefore making the area better for the stiltgrass.  Read more at Newswise.com.

Sentinel Pest Network and Invaders of Texas Species Workshops

Invaders of Texas workshops train volunteers to become citizen scientists to detect and report invasive species. Workshops include information on the Sentinel Pest Network which serves to increase the awareness of early detection of Emerald Ash Borer, Cactus Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and other pests of regulatory significance.

Workshops are tailored to meet the interests of your volunteer group, and supplementary session examples include an introduction to the TX Invaders mobile application and the Eradicator Calculator, a feature on Texasinvasives.org designed to help organize and track volunteer-based eradication efforts.