UI aims to weed out invasive species
MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho scientists are launching a campaign against the invasive species that are decimating the state’s native flora and fauna, school administrators announced Wednesday.
Noxious weeds, such as the yellow star thistle, which have moved into the state cause an estimated $3 million in damage each year, largely by taking over farm and ranch land, said Steve Daley Laursen, dean of the College of Natural Resources.
The university on Wednesday kicked off its new Center for Research on Invasive Species and Small Populations to protect Idaho’s ecology.
“These scientists will use modern tools such as biotechnology, genetics and satellite imaging and they will apply those tools to the control of invasive species and the management and protection of declining and small populations,” Daley Laursen said.
The center is funded with a nearly $1 million grant from the State Board of Education over three years to build the program needed to educate the public about invasive species, fisheries researcher Christine Moffitt said.
“It’s similar to the critical-mass idea,” she said. “By gathering all these minds to work on a problem, you get a fresh perspective.”
The funding lasts for only three years, but school officials said they were optimistic the program would continue to receive funds in the future. The research will be conducted in the Natural Resources College’s existing buildings.
Most of Moffitt’s research focuses on whirling disease in trout. The parasite – once alien to Idaho’s waters – infects young trout and destroys their nerves and cartilage. The trout whirl in circles and are either consumed by predators or starve. The parasite leaves the dead fish to invade others.
“If your fisheries collapse, that’s big trouble ecologically and economically,” Moffitt said. “But, for so long, we were focused only on how many fish we have, not if they were infected with anything.”
The center means Moffitt’s team will have access to more technology to speed up research and the problem will have more exposure.
The school announced the center in a press conference held in the shade of a stand of white pine trees. The northern Idaho tree, which once provided much of the wood for American homes, was nearly wiped out by white pine blister rust.
The pine grove was created as part of early research to increase the trees’ resistance to fungus. It was a landmark first step toward protecting the official state tree.
Idaho Provost Brian Pitcher said the center’s research will have a huge impact, bolstering tourism in a state focused on outdoor recreation.