News Release

National Park Service approves release of biological control insect for the suppression of invasive Japanese knotweed

Date: June 9, 2021
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. – The National Park Service (NPS) has tiered to an Environmental Assessment completed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the environmental release of a biological control organism to suppress invasive Japanese knotweed. Japanese knotweed has adverse effects on native plant populations and species, native wildlife, soil erosion, and recreational infrastructure. Within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (Park), Japanese knotweed grows in dense populations along the Potomac River and its tributaries, where it outcompetes native plant species.  The Park plans to release the knotweed psyllid insect, a biological control organism approved by the USDA and permitted by the Plant Protection Act, to control and suppress invasive knotweed. 

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed on June 6, 2021 by the Director, Region 1 – National Capital Area. The FONSI describes why the selected action will have no significant effects on the environment, provides the rationale for the decision, and outlines conservation measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts. The FONSI and other planning documents may be reviewed at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/knotweed.

-NPS-

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh.