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Alaska Invasive Weeds Awareness Week
WHEREAS, the Alaskan lifestyle is inseparable from our spectacular natural habitat, and much of Alaska’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, hunting, recreation, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, invasive weeds are one of the greatest threats to the integrity of native habitats and ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, invasive weeds are known to heavily colonize habitats with an adverse effect on their adapted environment. In Alaska, invasive weeds such as the white sweetclover, Canada thistle, perennial sowthistle, and orange hawkweed are presently impacting agricultural and wild lands; and
WHEREAS, the horticulture and forage trade are two critical pathways of introduction and spread of invasive weeds in Alaska. Prevention measures, including quarantine and inspection of commodities, is the most important aspect of invasive plant management and can be significantly less expensive than resource losses and management expenses; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Natural Resources manages noxious weeds, invasive plants, and agricultural pests to maintain uninterrupted productivity of natural and agricultural resources; and
WHEREAS, State, federal, local, private, non-profit organizations, and the general public are working together to increase public awareness, promote invasive weed prevention and management, and help keep our communities and environment free of invasive weeds.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim June 19-25, 2011 as:
Invasive Weeds Awareness Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to learn more about the invasive weeds in our great state and follow the effective prevention techniques for their successful management.
Dated: May 31, 2011