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Stop the Spread of Invasive Weeds


You can help stop the introduction and spread of invasive species. Help protect native plants and animals by following these seven easy guidelines:

  • Learn what plants must be kept out of Alaska and work to control invasive plants in your neighborhood. Our Juneau Area Weeds of Concern web page includes basic identification information for several high priority species. For more information: Download our Invasive Weed Guide (.pdf, 10.2 Mb), visit NRCS Invasive Species Identification Sheets Online (external link), or contact the local Cooperative Extension Services office at (907) 796-6221.
  • Don't Plant a Problem (.pdf, 1.8 Mb). Verify that the plants you are buying for your yard or garden are not invasive. Replace invasive plants in your garden with non-invasive alternatives. Inspect imported soil, gravel, hay, straw, and potted plants for invasive plant seedlings. Pull and destroy "volunteer" plants you don't recognize. Destroy them early, before they go to seed!
  • Don't release aquarium fish and plants, live bait, or other exotic animals into the wild. If you plan to own an exotic pet, do your research and plan ahead to make sure you can care for it in the long term.
  • Report invasive plant sightings to EDDMapS. Join our citizen watch program and volunteer with local non-profits and agencies working to protect habitats and ecosystems.
  • When fishing or boating, clean your gear and/or boat thoroughly before transport to a different body of water. Be especially wary of fishing and boating equipment used in the lower 48, including waders and boots for visiting fishermen and women. Clean and soak this gear thoroughly with 2% bleach and allow to air-dry before using it in Juneau waters to prevent the spread of watermilfoil and didymo, two very agressive acquatic weeds.
  • Clean your shoes, camping gear, and pets before you hike in new areas to get rid of hitch-hiking weed seeds and pathogens.
  • Clean machinery, equipment, and tools in-between construction and work sites. Don't transport contaminated soils or use potentially contaminated fill in construction.