LOSS

From page A7

enthusiasts find them. Take a clear picture of the organism and note the location (GPS location preferred) to help AGFC identify and quickly respond to contain and eradicate new introductions before they spread or become established. New invasive species introductions continue to increase in Arkansas. Just this year, early reporting helped AGFC eradicate two introductions of giant salvinia in the Illinois Bayou and Clear Lake and water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush in Lake Georgia Pacific. Also, Cuban bulrush was detected for the first time in Millwood Lake, Pool 2 of the Arkansas River, as well as Lake Erling and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture responded to eradicate Purple Loosestrife at Lake Bentonville, which hasn’t been observed in Arkansas for over a decade.

“We are all responsible for being good stewards of our natural resources. Just like we need hunters and anglers to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment, we need them to be on the lookout and speak up if they see what they think is an invasive species,” Horton said. “The faster we can act to contain and remove an infestation, the better our chances are of keeping these invaders at bay and keeping aquatic habitat healthy for fish and waterfowl.”