Satellite Population Treatments

What is a Satellite Population? How are they managed?

  • A satellite population is smaller area where invasive species are present.  Usually these invaders are established in our region (unlike EDR species), but haven’t spread into a massive area yet, or are smaller populations outside of the source.  Most of ISN’s Top 20, and especially the Focus Four, are candidates for satellite populations.
  • Satellite populations are a risk to our region because not only can they spawn NEW satellite populations, but  they run the risk of growing into a nearly-unmanageable source population.  And, of course, they’re making negative impacts on our native habitats.
  • The goal with treatment of satellite populations is to control or eradicate them before they become a bigger problem in our region.  Often, there are larger populations of the species nearby acting as a “source,” but by focusing on the winnable battles:  satellite populations are smaller, and therefore easier to get permission for and cheaper to treat.
  • Satellite populations are very high priority to ISN.  Of course, not all satellites can be treated; ISN may not have permission to work on a property, or funding may necessitate prioritizing other species or areas.

What is ISN doing about Satellite Populations?

Through funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, US Forest Service, and the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, ISN has been able to work on satellite populations throughout our service area

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