Invasive plants are a threat to native plants, wildlife and to natural resources in Alaska. Invasive plants damage and destroy habitat, cause economic loss and are a major factor in the decline of some plant and animal species. While Alaska had seemed insulated from the damaging effects of invasive plants, evidence across the state shows that introduced plants are having a detrimental impact in many areas, and all areas are at risk.

To help combat this problem, AACD, the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Alaska and their partners are working together to educate the public and develop integrated management plans to reduce the introduction and spread of noxious and invasive weeds in Alaska. Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other organizations form Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs). CWMAs, which include local governments and other resource partners, address specific weed issues in their respective areas.

The Alaska Association of Conservation District’s Invasive Plant Program (IPP) grant supports quick and effective responses to invasive plant infestations in Alaska by supplementing local funds and resources for invasive plant efforts related to survey, education, and eradication. The program is a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Forest Health Protection that provides funding to SWCDs, non-profits, local communities, and Alaska Native organizations to perform invasive plant control work across the State of Alaska.

For almost ten years the IPP has supported numerous projects across the state including: eradicating acres of highly invasive plants on Annette Island; educating and assisting Juneau homeowners control invasive knotweeds; and invasive plant scouting in the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District.