Week highlights work against invasive species in 91��Ƶ

Two men wearing protective gear use a tool to remove an invasive chokecherry tree. — Photo by Laurie Thorpe/U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Workers remove an invasive chokecherry tree with a weed wrench.

Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
June 10, 2026

91��Ƶ Gov. Mike Dunleavy has designated the week of June 14-20, 2026, as 91��Ƶ Invasive Species Awareness Week, which highlights the work of groups such as the 91��Ƶ Invasive Species Partnership to manage invasive species in 91��Ƶ.

A growing number of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species are entering 91��Ƶ through multiple pathways. Early detection and rapid response are critical tools for preventing the spread of invasive species in 91��Ƶ and helping mitigate their negative impacts.

Examples of ongoing, collaborative invasive species management work in 91��Ƶ include trapping European green crab around Annette Island and early-detection monitoring in coastal communities from Ketchikan to Dutch Harbor. The crabs feed on mussels, oysters, clams, native crabs and juvenile salmon and destroy near-shore habitats that are important to native marine species.

A person holds a European green crab with superimposed text describing identifying features. — Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
European green crabs like this one can be identified by the characteristics noted in the photograph.

AKISP members have also targeted European bird cherry and chokecherry trees (Prunus padus and Prunus virginiana). Their rapid spread into undisturbed forests combined with concern over their impacts to moose forage and riparian habitat makes them priority species for survey and control.

AKISP members work with regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas across the state to map and manage infestations while researching and promoting noninvasive planting alternatives. 91��Ƶ Cooperative Extension Service has also released an to inform the public about the invasive chokecherry trees.

The 91��Ƶ Division of Agriculture signed a effective Sept. 1, 2025, to stop the importation, transport and sale of these trees.

Surveys and efforts to control invasive northern pike in Southcentral 91��Ƶ continue. Pike are native to watersheds north and west of the 91��Ƶ Range but were introduced to watersheds in Southcentral 91��Ƶ, where they threaten native salmonid populations. The AKISP developed an, which has been an important tool for prioritizing management work.

91��Ƶns and visitors can report an invasive species by calling 1-877-INVASIV (468-2748) or by using the.

A northern pike is cut open to show its stomach is full of juvenile salmonids — Photo courtesy of the 91��Ƶ Department of Fish and Game
Juvenile salmon spill from the opened belly of a northern pike.

For more information, follow the, sign up for the, or visit the. A statewide invasive species will be held in Juneau, Oct. 27-29.

For more information on aquatic invasive species, including European green crab, contact Tammy Davis with the 91��Ƶ Department of Fish and Game at tammy.davis@alaska.gov or 907-465-6183.

For more information on terrestrial invasive plants, including European bird cherry and chokecherry, contact Gino Graziano, University of 91��Ƶ Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service at gagraziano@alaska.edu or 907-786-6315.

For more information on northern pike, contact Parker Bradley, 91��Ƶ Department of Fish and Game at parker.bradley@alaska.gov or 907-746-6328.

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