Welcome to the “Invader Detectives – National Capital Region” project page!
Our mission is to change the very nature of the fight against alien-species invasion. What has happened historically is that when an alien species first arrives, very few people notice it. Only once a species is so widespread that the damage is intolerable is there sufficient public support to mount a response. But by then eradication is no longer feasible, and even management just to keep populations at acceptable levels is extremely expensive and/or labor intensive. The current process is lengthy and ineffective.
By working with citizen scientists like yourself, we can increase our chances of detecting an alien species shortly after it arrives in our region. We can then mobilize to remove the species using minimal public resources. For example, in the case of a new infestation that consists of only a few plants, a single authorized person could be dispatched to eradicate the infestation by hand in only a few minutes. This process is fast and effective.
As an iNaturalist participant, you can help by making reports of target species whenever you see them in the National Capital Region. If you would like to become even more involved, contact me to learn more about the Invader Detectives program. Our short training presentation includes species identification, tips for making the most effective observation reports, and how to help by becoming a verifier.
Sincerely,
Sara Tangren, Coordinator
National Capital PRISM
sara.tangren@dc.gov
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