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 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.
Take largemouth bass for example. This popular sport fish is not even native to western United States. It 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 bluegills are 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 as 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 that regularly fish for carp.
Within the past few years there has been an invasion of mitten crabs. The theory is that they came from Asia in the ballasts of ships. In some areas they”re so numerous that they are clogging up waterways.
Recently the most controversial introduction of a species is the zebra or quagga mussel that was found in Lake Mead and Lake Havasu. Lake County officals are so concerned about the mussels that they have set up a task force to study them.
The Department of Fish and Game has spent millions of dollars trying to eradicate northern pike from Lake Davis with little or no success.
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 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 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 prickly stem and a bright yellow flower. Star thistle originally came from the Mediterranean. It 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 has been controlled or eradicated, but the cost ran into the millions.
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 the birds like turkeys and pheasants and fish like the bass, the DFG planted them. However, most of the foreign plants got into the lake through aquariums that were dumped into the lake or by birds like ducks spreading them.
Many of the invasive plants got into the lake by people dumping their aquariums off their docks or emptying their backyard ponds. Unwanted plants also come off boat trailers when boats are launched.
Hydrilla is a good example. The plant was first discovered near Lakeport 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.
The good news is that the county has an aggressive weed control program and hopes to control some of the more dangerous weeds, but it needs everyone”s help.
