Protecting the Wetlands: A Matter of Survival

Email and phone in questions were taken live by Supervisory Park Ranger Angela R. Rathle from the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve; Michael Massimi, Invasive Species Coordinator for Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; and Dr. Dearl Sanders, Professor and Coordinator, Idlewild Research Station, LSU Ag Center.

Questions & Answers in pdf format

GLE's in pdf format:

• Science GLEs
• Social Studies GLEs
• About Extras
• Resource Links PDF

Additional questions were answered by Dr. Dearl Sanders, Professor and Coordinator, Idlewild Research Station, LSU Ag Center.

• What is an invasive species? Any non-native plant or animal that becomes dominant in its new environment, usually displacing some native plants or animals.
• In what ways could the introduced beetle harm the already existing species? This particular beetle has been studied for over 30 years and does not eat or damage anything but salvinia.
• Do the sprays that they use to combat water hyacinth and other non-native invasive plants negatively impat the ecosystem? When used properly these herbicides control the unwanted plants while not harming the desirable native vegetation. All of the herbicides used to control water hyacinth are tested and approved for use in Louisiana by both the EPA and the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture. If used improperly these herbicides can damage native plants.