PlayCleanGo Announces National Invasive Species Awareness Week March 3-8, 2013

PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks aims to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals

 
Saint Paul, Minnesota – PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks, Minnesota’s terrestrial (i.e. land-based) invasive species outreach program, announces the dates for National Invasive Species Awareness Week, March 3-8, 2013.

A broad coalition of partners, volunteers and supporters, with the support of PlayCleanGo, will be spreading the word and participating in National Invasive Species Awareness Week. We invite individuals and families to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota trails, parks and recreation sites while doing your part to stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species. Your involvement can help protect some of our great state’s environment and most precious resources, while enjoying the beauty and legacy Minnesota has to offer.

Steps You Can Take

Following these three simple steps can help stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species:

• Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.

• Remove mud and seeds from clothes, pets, boots, gear and vehicles.

• Stay on designated trails.

About PlayCleanGo

PlayCleanGo is an education and outreach campaign for outdoor recreationalists. The goal is to encourage outdoor recreation like off-road vehicle use, hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, while protecting valuable natural resources. The objective is to slow or stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species through changes in public behavior. The campaign is designed to encourage simple and quick steps to help slow and prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals while encouraging outdoor recreation.

About Land Based Invasive Species

Terrestrial invasive species are land-based plants, animals and micro-organisms that are not native to a particular area. They are also species that are capable of causing severe damage in areas outside their normal range; harming the economy, the environment or human health once they become established. The term "invasive" is reserved for the most aggressive non-native species capable of changing site or living conditions for the worse where they establish.

A few of the common species found on land include Canadian thistle, common buckthorn, wild parsnip and the two fungal species that cause Dutch elm disease and oak wilt. Another one that the public is becoming aware of is the emerald ash borer.

Visit www.playcleango.org for more information on how to become a PlayCleanGo partner.

PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks is sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Minnesota.