WHEREAS, the scenic mountains, meadows, rivers, and coastal bays of Alaska are prized for their diverse and abundant wild plants, fish, and wildlife, drawing more than two million visitors annually ; and
WHEREAS, we rely on native flora and fauna, cultivated crops, and local livestock to feed our families, meet cultural and traditional uses, sustain sectors of the economy, and support food security; and
WHEREAS, when non-native harmful species, known as invasive species, are introduced to public and private lands and State waters, they alter the balance of healthy ecosystems by disrupting food webs, displacing and preying upon desirable indigenous species, reducing biodiversity, and altering ecosystem balance; and
WHEREAS, invasive species cause environmental disturbances that threaten the sustainability of native species, negatively impact the health or value of crops, promote wildfires, interfere with recreation, and alter water regimes, causing floods and erosion, and invasive species are most often spread to Alaska through the movement of people, vehicles, equipment, and goods; and
WHEREAS, the most cost-effective, efficient, and responsible approach to protect our lands, waters, and native organisms is to prevent the spread of invasive species when possible, and when impossible to practice early detection and strategic rapid response for control and eradication; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Public Facilities work cooperatively with stakeholders to support the unique and undisturbed ecosystems of Alaska by preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in the many environments where they cause harm; and
WHEREAS, Alaskans who are informed about invasive species, motivated to report observations, and support State government in fulfilling their responsibilities to monitor for and respond to invasive species are essential to keeping the Alaska way of life sustainable.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 9 – 15, 2024 as:
Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans and visitors to learn about, report, and contribute to the prevention of invasive species in our State.
Dated: June 9, 2024
