Criteria 3: Control Invasive Species

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants and insects pose serious risks to the biodiversity and functionality of our ecosystems as well as for producing lands including forests and agriculture. Many landowners have invasive plants on their land or nearby and want to understand how to control them or prevent infestation.

What are invasive plants?

In Maine a plant is considered invasive if it:

1. Is not native to Maine

2. Has spread (or has the potential to spread) into minimally managed plant communities (habitats)

3. Causes economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations that are dominant or disruptive to native species

Invasive plants are a direct threat to what we value about Maine's natural and working landscapes. The aggressive growth of invasive plants increases costs for agriculture, can affect forest regeneration, threatens our recreational experiences, and reduces the value of habitats for mammals, birds and pollinators. Species like Japanese barberry and multiflora rose can form thorny, impenetrable thickets in forests and agricultural fields.

Invasive species are the second-greatest threat to global biodiversity after loss of habitat. Invading plants out compete native species by hogging sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. They change animal habitat by eliminating native foods, altering cover, and destroying nesting opportunities. Some invaders are so aggressive they leave no room for our natives.

Invasive Insect Pests

Besides invasive plants, Maine also has invasive animals including insects. See the Maine Forest Service website and our Invasives resource page for more information on these pests. You should monitor your property for the presence of these pests and alert us if you think you’ve found these insects on your land or elsewhere in Knox-Lincoln Counties.

Resources

Conservation Landscape Certification Resource Guide
Links to Online Resources
Recommended Books
Knox-Lincoln SWCD Invasive Plant Technical Assistance