The Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP) invites all Alaskans and visitors to join us in celebrating Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 9 -15, 2024. This week is designated by an Executive Proclamation issued by Governor Dunleavy and celebrates the work that is being done to keep Alaska wild and free of invasive species.
An invasive species is any living thing that is not native to a particular place and causes harm to the environment, economy, and/or human health where introduced. Despite perceived remoteness, Alaska is confronted by a growing number of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Collaborative efforts are currently underway across the state to minimize the risk of aquatic invasive species being introduced to or spread within Alaska waters. Early detection and rapid response are critical tools for preventing spread and negative impacts of invasive species in Alaska.
The importance of surveying was highlighted with the detection of invasive Elodea on the Kenai Peninsula. The Kenai Peninsula was thought to be Elodea free until it was recently found in Crescent Lake, a remote alpine lake in the Chugach National Forest.
One infestation was found at the lake outlet which flows into Crescent Creek, a tributary of Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake which are both productive spawning habitats.
Elodea is a freshwater invasive plant that outcompetes native vegetation and degrades salmon habitat. Elodea has been found to decrease the zooplankton food source for juvenile coho salmon which in turn reduces juvenile coho salmon growth.
The ecological impacts turn into economic impacts as well, as Elodea negatively impacts recreational opportunities and decreases property values.
University of Alaska- Fairbanks researchers estimate that Elodea, if left unmanaged, could cost the commercial sockeye fishing industry $159 million annually!
Invasive species are constantly on the move and coordinated survey efforts are necessary to monitor for new threats.
1. July 19th is designated as European Green Crab Awareness Day! European Green Crab response trapping and surveys continue around Annette Island to reduce the established population. To detect new invasions, community-based monitors set traps monthly, spring through fall, in many coastal communities in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska.
The AKISP European Green Crab Subcommittee partners revised the Rapid Response Plan, conducted a workshop, and released an educational video.
2. Invasive northern pike control and survey are on-going in Southcentral Alaska. The AKISP-developed Invasive Pike Management Plan GuideTechnical Guidance and Management Plan for Invasive Northern Pike in Southcentral Alaska: 2022 – 2030 has been an important tool for prioritizing work.
3. European bird cherry and Mayday trees are the “pretty plant to avoid” targeted by AKISP members. The spread into undisturbed forests combined with the concern over impacts to moose forage and riparian habitat makes this a priority species for survey and control.
4. Orange hawkweed continues to spread in the communities where established. Invasive plant managers stress the importance of early detection and control as the species spreads into subalpine habitat and into western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.
During Alaska Invasive Species Awareness week, the AKISP will be promoting popular nationwide educational campaigns, including: “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Clean Drain Dry”, “PlayCleanGo”, “Buy It Where You Burn It”, and “Don’t Let It Loose”. These messages are relevant to both Alaskans and visitors to the state.
In addition to these awareness campaigns, the AKISP will be highlighting invasive species reporting tools. Anybody in Alaska can report an invasive species by calling 1-877-INVASIV (468-2748) or by using the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Online Reporter. There are a number of invasive species identification and reporting apps available as well, such as the Alaska Invasives ID app.
The AKISP partner agencies and organizations will be hosting local events during Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week to help raise awareness and encourage the public to report invasive species. The AKISP will be promoting these local events while conducting a week-long social media campaign in an effort to share awareness messages both online and in communities across the state.
You can find more information by following the AKISP Facebook Page, by signing up for the AKISP listserv, or by visiting the AKISP website. You can continue to stay engaged with invasive species topics by attending the statewide Alaska Invasive Species Workshop in Fairbanks, November 12-14, 2024.
Alaska Invasive Species Partnership
Alaska Region
News to Know: The Most Popular Veterans Benefits Don’t Expire
While some people may think that the veterans benefits they have earned from military service could evaporate or disappear, this is inaccurate. The most popular veteran benefits have no expiration date. You can apply at any point and are not time-bound.
The three most popular veterans benefits are: disability compensation, home loan guaranty and education/G.I. Bill.
For these benefits, there are important dates to remember. If you miss those dates, you may be inconvenienced, but these benefits are still available, providing you qualify.
Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment based on an injury or disability that occurred during service. A Veteran completes an application, referred to as a claim. Accompanying this claim is information about their service and medical conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates the claim and grants or denies benefits.
A disability compensation claim can be filed as early as 180 days prior to completion of active duty and throughout the remainder of a Veteran’s life. In short, there is no expiration date for disability compensation.
Many Veterans file multiple claims throughout their lives as new conditions are identified or previously identified conditions worsen. This is called a claim for an increase. There is no limit on how often this can be done.
There are two important dates to keep in mind relative to disability compensation. The first concerns the Intent to File. In advance of actually applying for disability compensation, you can complete an Intent to File form. This tells the VA you will file in the next year and preserves the effective day (i.e., the date on which benefits will begin).
For example, a Veteran completes an Intent to File form establishing February 1, 2024, as his/her effective date. After collecting all the needed information and forms, benefits are granted on December 1, 2024. The first payment would include a retroactive payment reflecting the intent to file date of February 1.
You can get assistance with your VA claim for no cost from an accredited representative like your county veterans service officer, or an accredited veterans service organization, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or the VFW.
Home Loan Guaranty allows Veterans to purchase a home with no money down. This is a tremendous advantage over our civilian counterparts, who must save for a down payment prior to purchasing a home. Subject to restrictions, this can even be used to purchase a mobile home or farm residence.
There is no time restriction on this benefit. It can be used repeatedly by Veterans as they move and purchase new homes.
Education/G.I. Bill benefits are significant for veterans. Serve for three years and you can earn four years of free college. It can also be used for high-tech apprenticeships, advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math training, and credentials and certificates.
In 2017, a new law, often known as the Forever G.I. Bill, was introduced. If your service ended on or after January 1, 2013, this benefit will never expire.
If your service ended prior to January 1, 2013, you still could qualify for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill or the Montgomery G.I. Bill for active duty or reservists. Each of these has an expiration date, so check those dates carefully at VA.gov.
Veterans benefits are an important part of the rewards for military service and you can apply at VA.gov. The best time to learn about your benefits is well before applying for them. But remember, it’s never too late to start, and some of the most popular veterans benefits never expire.
Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” published in 2023.
Paul Lawrence
Purcellville, VA
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