Awareness campaign focuses on noxious weeds, bugs

Monday, May 7, 2001 | 9:53 a.m.

The Nevada Invasive Species Council has initiated a campaign to increase public awareness of noxious types of weeds and intrusive insects, in addition to animals that threaten the well-being of the state's residents, the economy and the environment.

The yellow starthistle weed, the imported fire ant, killer bees, the channeled apple snail and the Norway rat are among the 40 species included in the awareness campaign.

"The invasion of noxious species is like an explosion in slow motion," said Bob Abbey, state director for the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada.

"The yellow starthistle is a perfect example -- a few plants got started here and there, and a few years later, it spread dramatically (in Washoe County)."

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Supervisor Robert Vaught said infestation of the yellow starthistle can be swift and dramatic. He noted that 22 million acres in a 100-million-acre area of California is inundated with the weed.

"If anybody spots one of these invaders we'd like them to contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture so we can stop their spread," said Paul Iverson, director of that agency. "Our new website (invaders.nv.blm.gov) has information to help people identify invasive species."

The awareness campaign will feature television public service announcements featuring Gov. Kenny Guinn. Posters and bookmarks also will be distributed to plant nurseries, libraries and other public outlets.