Sea Grant signs.

Submitted by: Barbara Liukkonen, Minnesota Sea Grant Program, 612-625-9256Recent news stories about finding zebra mussels in Mille Lacs have reminded us about the impacts that non-native plants, fish, and other animals may have on Minnesota’s waters, and highlighted the expense and effort needed to control them. While non-native species do not always pose a threat, some can out-compete native species, contributing to loss of native plant communities and habitat for fish and wildlife, resulting in economic and recreational impacts.

Non-native plants and fish are often the centerpieces of water gardens, adding interest and beauty, but if these species escape or are released in our lakes and streams, they may have significant ecological effects. In 2002, research at the University of Minnesota Horticulture Department, indicated it is easy to receive prohibited invasive species through catalogs and the Internet and that 92.5% of plant orders included unintended “hitchhikers.”

To further identify the potential for introducing aquatic invasive species through water gardening and to help stop the spread of those invasive species, a research study and outreach effort was sponsored by Minnesota Sea Grant in collaboration with the Minnesota Water Garden Society, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.

In 2004, we queried water gardeners, Master Gardeners, and shoreland property owners with an online or written survey, and conducted one-on-one interviews with 37 nursery and landscape design professionals in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The survey tools were designed to measure awareness and knowledge levels, identify their sources of plants and information, characterize sales and gardening practices, investigate willingness to pay, and assess opportunities for educating customers and nursery employees.

Respondents indicated the threat posed by aquatic invasive species is of serious concern (91% consumers, 57% nursery professionals), but most were unable to correctly identify non-native, invasive species of concern in Minnesota. Few consumers (7%) purchase plants or animals over the Internet; 56% choose plants at local retail outlets. Most (86%) expressed a willingness to pay more for plants they were sure were free of hitchhikers.

Two thirds of the nurseries had received unintended plants or animals in shipments. Fewer than 15% of the retail outlets had a process in place to identify or eliminate 2 hitchhikers in their plant receipts. Only 25% had a process to prevent customers from receiving unintended plants in their purchases. Seventy five percent of retailers requested educational materials to train employees about risks and proper protocols. Nearly all retailers (95%) were willing to provide their customers with outreach education about aquatic invasive species.

After developing preliminary messages and graphics, we conducted focus groups with managers from large and small nurseries, pond designers and installers, state agency staff, Extension specialists, Master Gardeners, and representatives from the Minnesota Water Garden Society. From those meetings and subsequent conversations we refined the messages and finalized the design and layout of the materials.

The new educational materials include tip cards, plant sticks and tags for nurseries to include with potentially invasive plants, and posters. The posters are available in both an 8-1/2 by 11 inch format and a larger size (18 by 24 inches) for nurseries and garden centers to post.

In a pilot program this summer about 40 Minnesota nurseries, garden centers, and landscape businesses used the materials to inform employees and reach customers with the primary message, “Do Not Release” plants or animals from water features. We’re currently in the process of evaluating how the materials were used, customer response and interest, employee response, and willingness to pay for these or similar materials in the future.

Posted in Fish and Wildlife, Care of Shoreland Property, Lakes |