In LIISMA’s Early Detection and Rapid Response program, we focus our attention on Tier 1 (early detection and prevention) and Tier 2 (early detection and eradication) emerging invasive species in the LIISMA region. Occasionally Tier 3’s (local containment) are a priority as well, particularly in regards to maintaining the ecological integrity of our priority conservation areas.
In 2024, the LIISMA team managed to survey and monitor for 25 species across 40 sites, from Staten Island to Montauk. Some of the species that were at the top of our radar for surveying this year included water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes, Tier 2), incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa, Tier 2), sapphire berry (Symplocos paniculata, Tier 2), water hyacinth (Pontederia crasspipes, Tier 3), plume poppy (Macleaya cordata, Tier 2), max chrysanthemum (Leucanthemum maximum, Tier 2), floating water primrose (Ludwigia peploides, Tier 3), bog bulrush (Schoenoplectiella mucronata, Tier 2), and kudzu (Pueraria montana, Tier 4).
Much to our dismay, we detected a few of these culprits across multiple sites, including water lettuce, incised fumewort, sapphire berry, plume poppy, floating water primrose, and kudzu. Incised fumewort and sapphire berry were detected in abundance at two sites, water lettuce was detected in small quantities at two sites, and plume poppy was also detected at two sites. However, the good news is that our partners are coordinating plans with us on the potential management of all of these sites and species mentioned above, while LIISMA worked to continue management of floating water primrose and kudzu across three sites in Nassau and Suffolk. Most of the other species surveyed were either not detected, have plans for future management potential, or are being actively managed by LIISMA and our hardworking partners.
In addition to our adventures in surveying EDRR species on Long Island, we are pleased to announce that 13 species across 17 sites are being actively managed for eradication or containment this year, by LIISMA, our partners, or as a coordinated effort in combined partnership management.
Some species that are being newly actively managed this year included ravenna grass (Tripidium ravennae, Tier 2) by our partners at PSEG-LI, giant butterbur (Petasites japonicus, Tier 3) by our partners at North Shore Land Alliance, winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima, Tier 3) and hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta, Tier 2) by our partners at The Caumsett Foundation, and floating water primrose by our partners at the Greenwood Cemetery.
In addition to this, we would like to also thank these partners for their coordination and effort of the continued management of last year’s species: common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum, Tier 3) by our partners at Bethpage State Park, fuzzy deutzia (Deutzia scabra, Tier 3) by our partners at Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, invasive arum (Arum italicum, Tier 3) by our partners at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, floating water primrose by our partners at NYC Parks, rock-sea lavender (Limonium binervosum, Tier 2) by Town of East Hampton, arthraxon by our partners at Suffolk County Parks, Third House Nature Center, and Rechler Equities, invasive sand sedge (Carex kobomugi, Tier 3) by our partners at the National Park Service, and giant reed (Arundo donax, Tier 2) by our partners at Nassau County Parks. LIISMA also thanks the Town of Brookhaven and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for their partnership in managing ludwigia and kudzu with us across Long Island.
We are pleased to announce that potential management for the near future includes 8 species across 10 sites. These include the eradication or containment of water lettuce, giant butterbur, fuzzy deutzia, incised fumewort, sapphire berry, invasive yam, floating water primrose and plume poppy. We will be glad to disclose our partnerships on these proposed projects once they are confirmed and all permissions are met.
LIISMA prides itself on forging close and dependable relationships with our many partners. Some of our favorite coordinated partner management projects include water chestnut containment and removal with our partners at NYSDEC Region 1 Freshwater Fisheries Management and Research, kudzu management with the NYSDEC Kudzu Control Program, hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata, Tier 3) sampling for the deadly cyanobacteria, Aetokthonos hydrillicola (known to cause a fatal brain wasting disease to avian and raptor species) with the NYSDEC Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, and coordinating spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, Tier 4) surveying with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
As we wrapped up our field season with kudzu surveying/management and collecting the final results on spotted lanternfly data, we were pleased to announce that kudzu was only detected at two of our 17 sites, and promptly removed by LIISMA staff. However, spotted lanternfly were detected at seven of our nine trap locations in Suffolk County. While this isn’t the best news, we look forward to the continued collaboration with NYS Agriculture and Markets on collecting more information about the continued management and future of this species on Long Island and beyond.
This concludes the EDRR 2024 Field Season chronicles of LIISMA’s ventures in invasive species management. Stay tuned for more exciting advancements to look forward to next year!
