Project Profile: Detect Invasive Aquatics to Improve Salmon Habitat

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Invasive Species | FY24 $250,000

A salmon in Alaska swimming up river.

NPS Photo

The National Park Service (NPS) will improve salmon habitat in the Yukon-Kuskokwim watershed by detecting invasive plants. NPS staff will survey high-priority rivers and lakes for invasive Elodea spp. Alaska parks have dedicated little effort for this injurious invasive species, despite that known populations of Elodea found in adjacent waterbodies used to access parks by boat and float plane. An NPS crew will conduct searches of waterbodies for early detection of Elodea in parks, and additional funding will be directed towards treatment of nearby waterbodies that are used to access parks.

Why? Elodea is easily spread between waterbodies, and once established is very difficult to eradicate. Elodea proliferates rapidly in affected waterbodies, leading to negative effects on native species including salmon.

What else? The project will allow for NPS staff and youth interns to travel to and survey bodies of water across the region. Number of lakes surveyed per year and use of GIS to document presence/absence of Elodea will be documented for project success.

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.