July 16-23 is designated as Invasive Weed Awareness Week in Lake County. Invasive weeds are classified as those weeds that aren”t native to an area. However, if you stop to count how many exotic or nonnative plants, fish and wildlife we have in California, the list would probably fill a small telephone book.
Many of our game fish species are not native to the state and the same applies to some birds. And there are literally hundreds plants that have a foreign origin. Some species of fish and plants have been a benefit, but others are considered a nuisance.
Largemouth bass are a good example. This popular sport fish is not even native to the western United States. The fish was first brought to California back in the 1890s. It found California waters ideal habitat and is now the most popular freshwater game fish in the state.
Crappie, catfish and bluegill are also not native to California. Striped bass were introduced from the East Coast. Some species of trout aren”t native. If these species had never been relocated to the state, just consider what few fishing opportunities we would have.
Of course, there are species of fish that are considered pests. Take carp for instance. They originally came from Europe and were first planted in a small pond near Sonoma. They have since spread throughout the country and are considered by many fisherman as a nuisance. However, there is a small dedicated group of anglers who regularly fish for carp.
Within the past few years there has been an invasion of mitten crabs in the eastern part of the country. The theory is that they came from Asia in the ballast of ships. In some areas they”re so numerous that they”re clogging up water ways.
One of the most controversial introductions of a foreign fish was the northern pike in Lake Davis, located near the town of Portola. Actually, the northern pike is a native fish to the Midwest and eastern section of the country, but not to California.
During the past six years the Department of Fish and Game has spent millions of dollars trying to eradicate the pike because of the fear that they will migrate down the Feather River and into the Delta and devastate the native salmon fishery. First the DFG poisoned the Lake Davis, then nets were used, and finally the DFG even attempted to blow up the pike using explosive charges. All attempts have failed and the pike population continues to grow.
The DFG is once again planning to poison Lake Davis in an attempt to get rid of the pike.
There are several species of wildlife that aren”t native to the state but have thrived since their introduction. Pheasants are one of the state”s most popular game birds. However, they”re not native to United States (originally coming from China).
Lake County is literally awash with wild turkeys. In fact, many of vineyard owners in the county now complain about the turkeys eating their grapes, which, by the way, isn”t a native plant. The birds are also not native to California but are considered an excellent game bird by local hunters.
When it comes to plants, Lake County has plenty of nonnative plants that are considered noxious. There are now thousands of acres of star thistle scattered throughout the county it”s that plant with the prickly stem and a bright yellow flower. Star thistle originally came from the Mediterranean. Star thistle chokes off other grasses and is nearly impossible to kill.
We have all heard about the hydrilla infestation of Clear Lake. The good news is that it is now pretty much under control thanks to an aggressive eradication program conducted by the state.
Approximately 36 different species of aquatic plants call Clear Lake home. Many are native plants and are a benefit to the lake. However, others are classed as “invasive or noxious” plants that, if left unchecked, could literally take over the lake.
How do are these nonnative fish, birds and plants get into the state and county? In the case of birds such as turkeys, pheasants and fish such as bass, the DFG planted them for sportsmen and women. However, most of the foreign plants got into the lake through aquariums that were dumped into the lake or were dropped here by migrating birds.
Hydrilla is a good example. The plant was first discovered just south of Lakeport near Catfish Slough and most likely came from an aquarium. Within a few months it had spread throughout the lake. Left unchecked it would have completed covered the lake. Other plants also have that capability.
Eradicating unwanted weeds is extremely expensive and most of the time it”s unsuccessful. The best deterrent is to use some common sense. Don”t dump unwanted weeds into the lake and don”t plant them for ground cover.
