Clint Morgeson of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources will discuss invasive aquatic species introduction in Virginia and will review past, present and future invasive species management at the next meeting of the Friends of the Dragon Run.
He will also cover some of DWR’s history and management of aquatic invasive fish species, especially in eastern Virginia. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday via Zoom. Visit DragonRun.org for the Zoom link.
Morgeson’s presentation will cover the impact of invasive species on recreation, the economy, and the area’s natural heritage. His presentation also will explain how the risk is being managed and additional steps planned to manage aquatic invasives and introduced species.
A top challenge to preserving and protecting the Dragon Run watershed is identifying and mitigating the risks associated with invasive species already entrenched or establishing themselves in Virginia. FODR has expanded its citizen science initiatives to identify, map and take action to contain the threat presented by invasive species. The list of invasives—both flora and fauna—is long and growing. The list includes tree of heaven, spotted lanternfly, blue catfish, phragmites, emerald ash borer, northern snakeheads, Japanese stilt grass, and many more.
The FODR is also monitoring species that are migrating toward the Middle Peninsula and Dragon Run, such as the highly destructive nutria.
State agencies and conservation-focused nonprofits such as FODR are clearly concerned and increasing collaborative efforts. “We collectively agree that we are not yet winning against invasives and realize that we are in this struggle for the foreseeable future,” a release from the FODR stated.
The impact of invasive species has many dimensions. They disrupt food chains needed by native species. They displace native species. And they put the local economy at risk—particularly agriculture, forestry and recreational activities. Invasive species are a management issue for property owners, communities and for governments at all levels.
A Regional Aquatics Manager for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Morgeson’s responsibilities include developing and directing a comprehensive regional aquatic resources program designed to manage, enhance, protect and utilize the commonwealth’s fishery and aquatic resources in a multi-county region in eastern Virginia. Prior to DWR, he worked for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Illinois Natural History Survey.
Friends of Dragon Run is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. For more information about Dragon Run and to join its activities, visit DragonRun.org.