Landscaping Standards: May 2008 Archives
Threat to Freshwater Ecosystems
Invasive species are one of the largest threats to our terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, as well as being a major global concern.
Invasive species can affect aquatic ecosystems directly or by affecting the land in ways that harm aquatic ecosystems.
Threat to Biodiversity
Invasive species represent the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide. They also result in considerable economic effects through direct economic losses and management/control costs, while dramatically altering ecosystems supporting commercial and recreational activities.
Effects on aquatic ecosystems result in decreased native populations, modified water tables, changes in run-off dynamics and fire frequency, among other alterations. These ecological changes in turn impact many recreational and commercial activities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Common sources of aquatic invasive species introduction include ballast water, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or intentional introductions, among others.
Ballast Water Carries Invasive Species
A major concern is the
introduction of invasive species through ship ballast water carrying
viable organisms from one waterbody to another. All mainland coasts of
the United States - East, West, Gulf, and Great Lakes, as well as the
coastal waters of Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands - have felt
the effects of successful aquatic species invasions.
Over two-thirds of
recent non-native species introductions in marine and coastal areas are
likely due to ship-borne vectors, and ballast water transport and
discharge is the most universal and ubiquitous of these.
EPA is working in conjunction with our Federal and State partners to address this source of aquatic invasive species both domestically and internationally.
Solutions For LandscapersWe don't think about how our purchasing habits affect natural systems. But heavy global traffic on the oceans directly affects the invasive species on both water and land. In the water, we are finding clams, water plants are hitching a ride.
These same ships bring containers that contain seeds and eggs for snakes, spiders, even parrots that escape their confines and invade areas with little or no natural deterrents such as wildlife that eats them for food, or bacteria that control their growth and reproduction.
A simple solution is to buy local, native plants whenever possible. Even tools and equipment bought locally or in the US is a move to reduce ocean traffic to a manageable level.
When international trade is essential, it is important to work with reputable distribution systems that have safeguards in place and have stringent control systems that are explained to you...and measured.
Web-based Geographic Information System for Water Management
IWRIS is a Web-based Geographic Information System application that allows users to access, integrate, query, and visualize multiple sets of data from diverse sources.Some of the databases currently accessible through IWRIS include DWR’s Water Data Library, California Data Exchange Center (CDEC), United States Geological Survey streamflow data, Local Groundwater Assistance Grants (AB303), and data from local agencies. The system will be expanded with additional data sets and functionality in the future.
Improve Water Data Management for Integrated Regional Water Management
DWR developed IWRIS to improve water data management and scientific understanding in support of Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM).The California Water Plan Update 2005 identifies IRWM as a key initiative to ensure reliable water supplies through the year 2030.
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
RESOURCE:
Integrated Water Resources Information System
Department of Water Resources
Division of Planning and Local Assistance
901 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.iwris.water.ca.gov
Plumbing conservation is widely accepted and routinely called for in federal, state and local legislation, ordinances for new development and agency rebate programs.
These devices are making a measurable difference. For example, Los Angeles saw a 25 percent decrease in demand in the 1990s with a plumbing retrofit program funded by water agencies.
The major benefit of low-flow plumbing device programs is that they can be implemented without requiring a change in the behavior of end users.
Outdoor Water Conservation
Saving water indoors with low-flow plumbing is easy compared to controlling outdoor water waste. Yet the vast majority of household water flows outside.
A study conducted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) shows that 58 percent of residential water is applied to landscapes. Gardening, recognized as the number one outdoor leisure activity, is growing in popularity as a national pastime.
According to a report published in the journal Environmental Management, some 40 million acres of the U.S. are covered in lawns, making turf the nation’s most irrigated crop.
And according to the American Water Works Association, most landscapes are overwatered by 30% to 300%, accounting for 80% of all landscape damage...and water waste!
SOLUTION: Remove the TURF and replace it with DROUGHT TOLERANT GARDENS or NATIVE HABITAT, etc. that reduces water use.
SOURCE: WeatherTRAK.com
