WHAT IS AN INVASIVE WEED?
The term “invasive weed” is generally used to describe non-native plants that are unwanted and grow or spread aggressively. Invasive weeds take over important wildlife habitat, devastating shelter and forage while reducing the diversity and quality of native habitat. Weeds often do not hold and protect the soil the way native plants do, so erosion increases and causes sediment in streams, harming fish populations and water quality. Nearly half of the endangered plants and animals in the United States have been negatively affected by invasive species. Invasive species cause an estimated $116 billion in economic damage each year in the United States.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
If you plan to visit the Channel Islands, you probably care a great deal about protecting them from harm. Ironically, those who enjoy visiting the islands can also be responsible for spreading non-native species. You can help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species, which is far more effective than costly eradication programs!

Clean and Inspect Clothing, Gear and Containers for Weeds and Other “Hitchhikers”
Many weed seeds readily stick to clothing and camping gear. These seeds can later fall off and germinate, establishing new weed colonies. Weeds and other non-native organisms can hitch a ride in camping equipment, food containers and baggage. Visitors should clean and inspect their footwear clothing and gear (especially shoe treads and Velcro) for seeds and soil before boarding boats and moving between campsites and islands. Socks and cuffs of pants should be given particular attention. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents should be cleaned and inspected for soil, invertebrates, and seeds before leaving the mainland.

While Hiking
Trails can be pathways for a lot more than just people. Weeds often spread along trails and then to adjacent un-infested areas. You can help prevent this from happening by always staying on designated trails, avoid weed-infested areas, and by not picking or transporting plants when hiking on the islands.

Pack out all trash
Just because a bit of trash – apple cores, orange seeds, etc. – is organic, doesn’t mean it can be left behind. Please be sure to pack out all trash. While most domestic fruit and vegetable species are not invasive, some can germinate and become pests.

Campfires
Campfires are prohibited on the islands, and common sense will tell you that they are dangerous and potentially harmful in other ways. In addition to the threat of wildfire, firewood brought from the mainland can harbor organisms that can be very destructive. This includes the fungal-like disease, “Sudden Oak Death” (SOD) that kills several species of native trees. You can help prevent the spread of SOD and other harmful organisms by not transporting firewood under any circumstances.

Domestic Animals
Although most people know that landing of pets on the islands is prohibited, they probably never imagine the danger domestic animals can pose to wildlife. In 1999, canine distemper killed almost all of the island foxes on the eastern portion of Catalina Island. Island foxes are highly sensitive to disease, and pets and their droppings can spread pathogens and cause other problems for wildlife. Although no one wants to leave a pet at home when they visit the islands, this is probably the best way of avoiding the temptation to land your pet on the islands