Project 435™: A New Tool to Stifle Aquatic Invasive Species Spread
Wildlife Forever has again teamed with Yamaha Rightwaters™ and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) creating its newest tool in the battle to control the spread of invasive species. The helpful research tool, Project 435 https://www.cleandraindry.org/project-435 identifies aquatic invasive species within each of the nation’s 435 congressional districts. The tool features 25 prominent aquatic invasive species and includes specific occurrence and location data.
Zach Burnside is Wildlife Forever’s Invasive Species Program Manager.
“Project 435 is a new research and public awareness tool bringing specialized scientific data to the citizen scientist. The map shows where aquatic invasive species are distributed across America,” Burnside said. “It also identifies the congressional districts that have greater occurrences of these invasive species and provides contact forms to reach each respective district representative to help make them aware of the problem.”
Burnside says the program accesses U.S. Geologic Survey data. And the tool can be manipulated to show the aquatic invasive species threats and risks unique to a specific congressional district area.
“The economic damage caused by invasive species can be quite extensive,” said Josh Grier of Yamaha Righwaters. Grier said, “Whether it’s Zebra mussels clogging pipes or other critical water infrastructure, or Asian carp species taking over a river or lake and degrading the habitat for native fish. The result can threaten public health for cities, towns and businesses.”
“Using integrated data from USGS, Project 435 provides the foundation for a very powerful mapping tool to share information and inform policy makers about threats to their community,” said Wes Daniel, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database Coordinator for USGS.
Wildlife Forever through its funding partners is a national leader in developing, educating and engaging the public in programs to battle and avoid spreading invasive species. Its additional programs to Project 435 include:
Clean. Drain. Dry. Expect 2 Inspect Citizen Carp Control
To learn about services, contact Zach Burnside or visit CleanDrainDry.org