Introduction to the Field Guide
Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) should be a top priority in Pennsylvania. The state has more than 84,000 miles of streams, 77 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and many inland lakes while sharing five major watersheds with other states and Canada. Once invasive species become widely established, controlling their spread is both technically difficult and expensive, and eradication can be nearly impossible. Identifying and preventing the introduction and spread of AIS are the keys to averting long-term ecosystem damage and ensuring the highest probability of effective control. The purpose of this guide is to help slow or stop the spread of invasive species in Pennsylvania by aiding natural resource professionals and others interested in AIS early detection through identification, prevention, and reporting.