Loup Generator — Winter 2022

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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
A new aquatic invasive — creeping water primrose (Ludwigia peploides) was found just off the Loup bypass reach in summer 2021. Photo by Michael Gutzmer. INVASIVE FLORA Nearly 400 species of non-native plants now grow in Nebraska. Most of these do not cause ecological or economic damage. Some species, however, are destructively invasive — infesting native prairies, woodlands, and wetlands; displacing native vegetation and degrading wildlife habitat; and harming cropland, yards, and gardens. Loup has numerous locations with aquatic species of plants that can be vulnerable to invasion from non-native species. New Century Environmental biologists have documented more than 200 plant species on Loup lands since 2018. Invasive species in these areas include leafy spurge, Canada thistle, musk thistle, reed grass, common buckthorn, and purple loosestrife. The primary consequence of established invasive plants is that they displace native or more desirable plant communities. Invasive plants change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no food value for wildlife or livestock. Invasive species can also alter the abundance or diversity of species that are important habitat for native wildlife. “The grasslands of the Northern Great Plains are in the midst of extensive alteration and redistribution of important species,” Gutzmer said. “Invasive plants contribute to the degradation of these ecosystems and present monumental challenges for natural resource managers.” Widespread decreases in populations of grassland-dependent wildlife, particularly birds, have been documented, he said. Seth Gutzmer holds a silver carp found in a Loup River bypass backwater. Special thanks to New Century Environmental and Michael Gutzmer for information in this story. The company’s scientists and engineers assess and manage a variety of compliance and natural resources issues throughout the Great Plains. INVASIVE FAUNA Aquatic invasive species can cause lasting damage in water systems. Once established, these species may introduce disease, push out native species, drastically change food chains and physical characteristics, and damage equipment and water delivery systems. Silver carp, an invasive fish species, are found in the Loup canal, the Loup River bypass, and the lower Platte River. Invasive species of concern in Nebraska include the zebra mussel, quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snail, Asian clam, and Chinese mystery snail. Active monitoring has become necessary in preventing the spread of these species and minimizing damage to our aquatic resources. Other invasive species of concern include Eurasian collared-dove, European starling, house sparrow, and rock dove. These species are well established in Loup’s service territory and controlling them would be very difficult. There is potential for various invasive insects and feral hogs to become a concern in the future as well. stop the spread Here are some tips to help stop the spread of invasive species. Keep these in mind anytime you visit any Loup park as well as state and national parks. Don’t let it loose! Do not release pets into the wild or dump aquariums or bait buckets into waterways. Unused bait should be discarded into trash cans. Clean, Drain, Dry. Thoroughly rinse your gear and pressure wash your boats, skis, and other recreation vehicles on site. Plants and aquatic organisms can get into any place water can get into. Use hot water if available. Don’t keep invasive species as pets and don’t choose invasive species for your landscaping. Wash your vehicle, especially if you have been driving on unpaved roads or off road. Plant materials can get stuck in your tires and undercarriage. This includes cars, bikes, and ATVs. Shake out your tent, camp chairs, sleeping bags, and other camp accessories before leaving the campsite to remove any plant or seed materials. Brush off or wash your pets. Sticky seeds can hitchhike on their fur. Clean your shoes or boots by knocking dirt and plant materials out of the treads. Consider carrying a boot brush in your car or pack. Rinse the soles if possible. Don’t move firewood. Use local firewood. Do not bring in firewood from outside the immediate area. — from the National Park Service have you spotted an invasive species? • Report your sighting at neinvasives.com • Report aquatic invasive species (AIS) to the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission at ngpc.AIS@Nebraska.gov or 402-471-7602 WINTER 2022 | 7
Page 1 and 2: GENERA OR a publication of Loup Pow
Page 3 and 4: president’s message Loup working
Page 5: High Efficiency Heat Pumps Option 1
Page 9 and 10: PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE Lythrum salicari
Page 11 and 12: BENEFTS OF A MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP
Page 13 and 14: WINTER 2022 | 13
Page 15 and 16: DAN STRONG Maintenance Technician D

Loup Generator — Winter 2022

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