How can I help prevent invasive species introductions?

In General

• The Nature Conservancy - 6 Easy Things You Can Do to Avoid Spreading Invasive Species

Gardeners

• California Invasive Plant Council - “Don’t Plant A Pest!”
• PlantRight
• Habitattitude (for water gardens)

Aquarium and Pet Owners

Released pets can disrupt native animal populations by hunting, introduction of diseases and competition for food, nest or den sites. Instead of releasing an unwanted pet into the wild, one can:

• Donate your pet to a PUBLIC PLACE:
  a nature museum, aquarium, school, community center, or nursing home.
• Give your pet to PEOPLE:
  your family, friends, neighbors, or other hobbyists.
• Contact your PET STORE for advice:
  some pet stores may actually allow you to return your pet.
• For aquarium owners: Habitattitude
  • Buy pets from reputable dealers that follow the laws regarding species that are restricted in California.
  • Manual explaining processes and requirements for obtaining permits for the possession of restricted species (PDF)
    Includes a list of the species that are regulated by these laws.

For Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts (boaters, anglers, hikers, etc.)

• California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways – Boating Clean and Green Campaign
• Help prevent the spread of New Zealand mudsnails and other invasive species (PDF)
• Stop aquatic hitchhikers
• Play, Clean, Go
• San Francisco Estuary Project’s Clean Vessel Act Grant Program

For Water Managers, Rural Construction, Timber Harvest and Environmental Professionals

• Develop a customized Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plan to avoid spreading invasive species from one worksite to another
• Avoid spreading New Zealand Mudsnail (and other invasive species) on field gear (PDF)

Contact

CDFW Invasive Species Program
P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento CA 94244-2090
Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov