Threats facing the world’s rivers

Posted on December 30, 2010 by www.priorityplaces.com.
Categories: Rivers.

The world’s rivers provide some of the most beautiful recreational opportunities in the world, whether for rafters, fishers, bird watchers, or anyone who simply enjoys “getting back to nature.” Certain rivers have even taken on their own mysterious identities over the years, most notably the Egyptian Nile or the South American Amazon (which are continuously in competition for the longest river in the world). America also has its selection of famous rivers, with the Mississippi River being at the top of the list. This location has been immortalized in the literary works of William Faulkner, Mark Twain, and Herman Melville. Who can forget the scenic Colorado, Columbia, or St. Johns rivers, either?Given the importance of these rivers to so many people, conservation efforts are ongoing to keep them protected for future generations. There are many threats facing rivers today. Global climate change can lead to an increase in both droughts and floods in river communities, along with an increase in waterborne diseases. Unsafe dams can also lead to flooding disasters, while poorly-controlled industrial projects on the banks of the river (like logging or mining) can damage the water quality and the wildlife living within. Decreasing water supplies in many rivers are also a growing cause for concern. (more…)

Plants on the prowl

Posted on December 9, 2010 by www.priorityplaces.com.
Categories: Invasive Species.

Invasive plant species can pose a dangerous threat to native plant communities. When such a species is detected, it’s up to humans to take the initiative, such as when natural resources professionals recently removed crown vetch and honeysuckle from the Rock Springs Conservation Area in Chicago. Crown vetch is used in many places for erosion control and soil rehabilitation, but its sturdy, aggressive nature allows it to easily take over garden areas and crowd out other species. Honeysuckle, on the other hand, simply had the misfortune to be a non-native plant in the area without the proper conditions to keep it under control.Some invasive plant species are quite well known. For instance, the kudzu vine has become known as the “mile-a-minute vine” or even “the vine that ate the South” in the United States. Among the plant’s special features are: the ability for its seeds to germinate for several years, causing it to reappear at sites where it was thought eradicated; the lack of natural predators; and its famed growing speed (currently about 150,000 acres annually in the southern U.S.). (more…)