Loup Generator — Winter 2022

INVASIVE SPECIES
& their economic and environmental impact
Their colors brighten the prairies and
fields. Vibrant purples and pinks and
yellows. Tall and elegant or uniquely spiked.
Despite their beauty, some of these plants
are aggressive and dangerous, smothering
surrounding vegetation and taking over.
There are some aquatic species that are
harmful, too, threatening Nebraska’s lakes
and rivers.
These species have one thing in common:
they don’t belong here.
“The economic and social impacts of
invasive species include both direct effects
of a species on property values, agricultural
productivity, public utility operations, native
fisheries, tourism, and outdoor recreation,
as well as costs associated with invasive
species control efforts,” according to the
United States Department of Agriculture.
A 2021 study estimated that invasive
species have cost North America more
than $26 billion per year since 2010.
WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES
AND WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?
An invasive species can be any kind of
non-native living organism — an amphibian,
plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even
an organism’s seeds or eggs.
These species are given the
“invasive” label when they grow
and reproduce quickly, or spread
aggressively, outcompeting
native flora and fauna.
Aquatic Invasive Species are introduced
to new environments in a variety of ways
— sometimes intentionally and sometimes
by mistake. Some species, such as common
carp, were introduced intentionally because
immigrants desired them as a food source,
according to the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission (NE G&PC).
Plant species were often introduced for
landscaping or brought into the country by
immigrants.
The pet trade also introduces new species
unintentionally. Snakehead, Asian clams,
and mystery snails were introduced in the
United States when pet owners disposed of
them in public waters. Exotic species such
as pacu and piranha have been collected in
Nebraska waters, though fortunately neither
species can survive our winters.
Unintentional introduction through
transport accounts for many invasive species
introductions.
These organisms usually hitchhike on
materials shipped from other countries or in
the ballast waters of ships in the Great Lakes
or ports along our coasts.
The Great Lakes have been a major introduction
location for many organisms such as
zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and round
goby, according to the NE G&PC.
LOUP REQUIRED TO MONITOR
AND CONTROL INVASIVE SPECIES
Loup’s hydroelectric license from the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) requires the District to monitor
invasive species throughout its territory.
New Century Environmental (NCE) of
Columbus serves as an environmental
contractor for Loup. The company’s
employees complete rigorous surveys to
ensure that invasive species are not
establishing themselves and causing
damage to District infrastructure.
Invasive species could also harm land
conservation efforts. Invasive species can
change community structure, composition,
and ecosystem processes on these lands in
ways that may not be anticipated.
In addition to making sure new species
aren’t making their way into the Loup area,
NCE biologists also monitor invasive species
that already established. Careful management
can minimize negative impacts to Loup
and the land.
Michael Gutzmer, principal of New
Century Environmental, said invasive
species encroachment will be a challenge
for Loup and other large landowners in the
coming years. He said agencies and citizens
should realize the benefits Loup’s monitoring
efforts provide for the environment.
He said it is no small task to generate
electricity while maintaining environmental
compliance.
“Loup Power District has been a reliable
and affordable provider for almost a
century,” he said. “There is no doubt Loup is
aware of those new and coming species that
could impact our local natural resources.”
Purple loosestrife
is a common invasive
plant in Nebraska
waterways.
6 | GENERATOR