Protecting Southwestern Alaska From

Invasive Species

A Guide in the English and Yup’ik Languages

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest Service

Alaska Region

December 2011

Center for Alaskan 

Coastal Studies

KELLUTELLRA ALASKA-M UNGALAQLIRNERA

ENIARITULINUN ITRALLERKAANENG

KASS’AT YUP’IIT-LLU QANERYARAITGUN
Kalikam ayagnerani tareneraq: Tengaulriani Kuigpiim, Kusquqviim-llu akuliigni. Steve Swenson-im 

tarenraq atuvkalqa

Amlleret yuut ikayuutellruut uum kalikam taqellran tungiinun. Ukut 

tungaunaki quyayugaput.

ELITAQRAARLUKI QUYAYUKPUT 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many individuals have made contributions to the development of this 

guide. In particular we would like to thank:

Ellen Napoleon - Yup’ik Language Translator

George Smith - Yup’ik Language Translator

Walkie Charles - University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Native

Language Center

Leah Mackey - Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council

Raymond Paddock III - Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of 

Alaska

Katie Villano-Spellman -Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Blaine Spellman - Alaska Association of Conservation Districts,

Fairbanks

Jennifer Robinnette -Alaska Association of Conservation Districts, 

Dillingham

Dave Cannon -Alaska Association of Conservation Districts, Aniak

Joyanne Hamilton - Innoko River School

Steve Ebbert - US Fish and Wildlife Service

Lance Lerum - USDA Forest Service

Jeff Heys - US Fish and Wildlife Service

Linda Shaw - NOAA

Tammy Davis - Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Melinda Lamb -USDA Forest Service

Steve Trimble - USDA Forest Service

Steve Swenson - USDA Forest Service

Tricia Wurtz - USDA Forest Service

Complied by Nicholas Lisuzzo - USDA Forest Service

Cover Photo: Flying over the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Photo courtesy of Steve Swenson.
KALIKAM IMAI

Table of Contents

Kellutellra Alaska-m Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek

Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species..................

Qaillun-gguq Allayuggaat Qapilaat Itravkanritellrat Alaska-mun

How Zebra Mussels Were Prevented From Entering Alaska...........

Juneau-um Calluutii Garlic Mustard-anek

Juneau’s Fight Against Garlic Mustard............................................

Kiyartaqluten-gguq Ukuneng Eniaritulineng Pikina!

Be On The Lookout For These Invasive Species!............................

Qaillun Reed Canarygrass-at Navguryuumallrat Neqet Uitaviat

How Reed Canarygrass Could Destroy Salmon Habitat.................

Sweetclover-at Sagtengellrat Yaaqvani Negeqlirmi

The Spread Of Sweetclover In The Far North.................................

Kaviat Uliiret-llu Talliquni Uitalriit

Red And Arctic Foxes On The Aleutian Islands...............................

Ukisqiucugngalriit/ikayucugnaalriit

Who Can Help..................................................................................

Nani-gguq Allanek Elicugngasit?

Where Can You Learn More?...........................................................

2

10

12

20

22

29

32

48

50

1
PROTECTING SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

FROM INVASIVE SPECIES

Imagine an organism that can travel between the cracks in someone’s 

boots, as an uninvited hitchhiker inside packing material, or as an aquatic

weed stuck to the floats of a plane. Imagine the same organism rapidly 

degrading salmon habitat in a local stream, or eliminating blueberries 

from a favorite berry patch. Invasive species have the potential to 

do these things and worse. They have permanently changed many 

ecosystems and the traditional ways of life for people living in affected 

areas. Although Alaska has not seen as many invasive species as many 

other parts of the world, numerous infestations are already established 

within our state. Throughout this document you will read stories of 

invasive species that are spreading in many parts of Alaska. Each year 

they are reaching more remote areas and moving beyond the urban 

areas of the state. In rural Alaska, it will be individuals with traditional 

knowledge of the local ecosystems, plant, and animals that will be the 

best defense against invaders. 

Residents of rural Alaska will be the first to notice changes in their 

environment, and will be able to take action long before many others 

become aware of an invasion. The information in this guide will provide 

a starting point for learning about invasive species, how to avoid 

unintentionally introducing them, and how to effectively react to an 

infestation once it has been discovered. In southwest Alaska, the impact 

of invasive species has so far been very small, and with your help it can 

remain so.

Paniyagaq, Mary H. Paniyak-aq

celria Ningliqviim ceńiini. Neqet-gguq

uitaviat arcaqalriarulriit ilakaat 

eniaritulit navguryuumakiit.

Mary H. Paniyak, cleaning salmon 

along the Ninglivvak River. Salmon 

habitat is one of many valuable 

resources that invasive species might 

damage.

L. Mackey - YRITWC

2 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Tangrruaqerru anerteqellria ayagyuumalria yuum capakiigkun, 

wall’u maligtelleq pisqumanrilengremi navegyialkutet akuliitni 

yaassiigem iluani, wall’u-qaa naunraq mermi nautuli nepcimaluni 

mermun mit’etulim tengssuutem mit’essuutiigni. Tangrruaqerru 

tauna anerteqellria navgurilria cukamek mermiutat neqet uitaviat 

carvami, wall’u piunrivkarluki curat iqvagvikegtaaremi. Enairitulit 

waten taqucumaut wall’u ukuk arcaqannragnek. Ak’a cimirillruut 

navguriluteng-llu uitavignek ayuqenrilngurnek kitugngairutellratnun. 

Yuut-llu tamaani uitalriit cayarait, yuuyarait-llu cimirluki. Alaska-q 

tangeqsailengremi makunek eniaritnek amllertalrianek allatun nunatun 

ellarpiim iluani, amlleq enairituli elkarcimariuq state-amteni. Uumgguq kalikam iluani naaqeciquten yuut qanemciatni makut enairitulit 

state-amteni amllerinarniluki. Allrakuq pellugaqan allat pugngut 

nunacuarni yaaqsingraata nunarpagnek. Nunacuarmiut-gguq, 

nallunritelriit nunamta ayuqucianek, naunrainek, ungungssiinek-llu 

anagyaaqutnguciqut makut itengnaqaqata avatemtenun.

Nunacuarani yuulriit ciuqliuluteng elitaqciqaat cat cimingekata 

avatemeggni ellaita-llu ayagniuciiqaat callerkarteng allat yuut 

yaaqsilriit elitaqvialgatgu eniaritulinun itengnaqellrat nunameggnun. 

Kalikam uum imain paviciiqai tumyaranek, elicautnek-llu makut 

eniaritulit avatemteńun taicaaqevkenaki piyaranek cali-llu qaillun 

callerkamteńek alaqaqamteki uitangellrat augatemteńi. Maani Alaska-m 

Ungalaqlirneraani makut eniaritulit tunerturiksaitut, ikayuskuvet-llu 

taugaten uitaciquq. 

KELLUTELLRA ALASKA-M UNGALAQLIRNERA

ENIARITULINUN ITRALLERKAANEK

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 3
HOW ARE INVASIVE SPECIES DIFFERENT

AND WHAT DAMAGE DO THEY CAUSE?

Native species are the naturally-occurring plants, animals, and other 

life forms that occupy an ecosystem, such as blueberries, moose and 

mosquitoes. They have lived here for thousands of years, and have 

developed a balance with other life forms in the area. Non-native 

species, such as cabbage and goldfish, have been introduced by people. 

Not all non-native species are a problem. Many are harmless or even 

beneficial to humans and the ecosystem. But some non-native species 

spread aggressively without the help of people. They can out-compete 

and replace native organisms. If a non-native species has a negative 

effect on the ecosystem, or creates economic or health problems for 

humans, it is considered an invasive species. Invasive species are often 

very tough to kill. The $120 billion of damage each year caused by 

invasive species in the US is only a part of the estimated $1.4 trillion of 

damage worldwide. But for subsistence communities in southwestern 

Alaska, the damage could be far worse. Valued lifestyles and traditions 

could be permanently changed by a single invasive species. Steve Swenson - USDA

Calqut, kiputaarkatun wall’u tegalkut ciqucimalriit paacat tengsuutet-llu 

ayauskiit ayauciyugngaut ciissiyagarnek, iqupiit neqautiitnek wall’u allanek 

mikellrianek anerteqellrianek, pingnaqenrilengremeng. Assiryartuq-gguq 

kellutellrat misviit kicarviit-llu wall’u uitaviat makut uitatassiarluki

eniaritulit.

Freight, such as goods or gravel, carried on barges or airplanes can unintentionally transport insects, seeds and other small organisms. It can be 

a good practice to watch areas frequented by these vehicles for invasive 

species.

4 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Nakmiin-gguq nunamta imai, 

naunrai ungungssii-llu ak’a 

elkarcimarillruut maani – 

curatun, tuntuvagcetun, wall’u 

egturyacetun. Nunamteńi 

uitamaaqut tiissitsaaret allrakut 

cipluki elkarcimariluni-llu 

yuuyumallrat assirluteng 

makumiutat allat ilakluki. 

Nunamta nakmiin pikenrilkai 

– cabbage-at, Goldfish-at-llu 

yuut nunamteńun taitelqait. 

Tamarmeng makumiutaunritelriit 

navguutngunritut. Amlleretgguq alingnaitut ilait-llu 

ikayuutnguluteng wangkutnun 

wall’u nunamteńun. Ilait-gguq 

taugaam nakmiin nunamta 

pikenrilkait cukamek,

talluinateng-llu, cagtetuut yugnun ikayurtailengremek. 

Talluitessiyaagluteng-gguq ilait eniarituit nakmiin nunamta naunrai 

ungungssii-llu ilait-llu eniararrluki cimirluki. Nakmiin nunamta 

pikenrilkait assiinaku avateput piaqatgu wall’u yuuyaraput

ayuquciput-llu assirpek’naku piluku, elkarcimarituuq eniarituliullra 

taum Eniaritulit-gguq tuqutesciigatnarkut. $120 billion dollars-aqgguq tekitetua kavamamta allrakum iluani kitugciringnaqlermikun 

navgurillratnek makut eniaritulit tauna-llu akiq ilarraqluku $1.4 trillionat nunarpiim atutullra tamatum tungiinun. Taugaam-gguq navgurillrat 

maani nunamteńi, Alaska-m ungalaqlirnerani, arcanruyuumauq. 

Picaqumakeput yuuyararput, cayaraput-llu cimiryuumaa 

kitugcunairutellranun ataucirraam eniaritulim.

eniarituliunritut. Amlleret ikayuutnguut, 

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 5

uutun cabbage-atun, eniaringaunateng-llu 

naunramtenek yugnun ikayurtaunateng.

Not all exotic species are invasive. Many 

are beneficial, like this cabbage, and will 

not displace native plants without human 

assistance.

Tamarmeng nunamta nakmiin pikenrilkai 

L. Mackey YRITWC

QAILLUN-GGUQ ENIARITULIT ALLAKAUGAT

CAUGAT-LLU NAVGUUTIIT?
EXAMPLES OF INVASIVE SPECIES IMPACTS

Invasive species can cause a variety of problems, many involving our 

food supply. They can reduce the populations of fish, game, edible plants 

and berries. Some examples of what they can do:

 • Invasive insects and diseases can attack and kill trees, shrubs and 

other plants that have little or no defenses against them.

 • Invasive plants can attract large numbers of insects or birds to 

their showy flowers. This can result in native plants not receiving the 

pollen carried by these animals. Without the pollen, the native plants 

cannot produce berries.

 • Some invasive plants use vines to climb and smother native 

vegetation. Fast growth and reproduction can also lead to these 

plants receiving more light and out-competing native plants.

 • Invasive plants and animals can change the amount and type of 

plant material that falls into rivers and streams. This can change the 

insect and fish populations, as well as alter the course of the stream. 

Some invasive species can grow directly in streams, even submerged, 

and lead to the accumulation of silt.

 • Invasive plants and animals can change the amount of food and 

nutrients available to plants in the soil, or create toxins that affect 

other plants and/or animals.

 • Invasive plants can introduce other invasive organisms such as 

insects and diseases. 

 • Invasive plants can increase the potential for large-scale wildfires. 

Some plants, such as cheatgrass, produce large amounts of flammable 

litter.

6 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
ENIARITULIT TUNERTUTACIATA ILAIT

Eniaritulit-gguq taqucuumaut arenqiallugutnek ayuqenrilngurnek

amlleret-llu nertuqput tungekluki. Ikgellivkaryuumait-gguq neqet, 

ungungssiit, naunrat, aqevyiit-llu amllertaciat. Cayuumakait-gguq ilait 

waniwa:

 • Eniaritulit ciissiuluteng wall’u nangyutnguluteng curuggarluki 

tuqucumait napat, uqvigat, allat-llu naunraat kayutekailnguut

 ellaicitun.

 • Eniaritulit naunraat/naucetaat amllernek ciissinek tengmi-

 ayaganek-llu cucucitarituut naucitarit tangnirqenruata. Taugat-

 naraqata-gguq nakmiin nunamta naucitaari naunraat iqupiatneng 

aqurtuyuitut ciisikun wall’u tengmiayagarkun. Naunraat iqupiatnek

 aqurtunritaqamek nakmiin naunraput aqevyilisciigat’uut.

 • Ilait-gguq eniaritulit nakmiin naunraput mayurvikrarluki eptetuit. 

Cukamek-llu anglirillrata cagtellrata-llu akurtuvkatui civumek 

tukninraneng-llu akertemek nakmiin naunraput kinguqlliurluki

 akurtullermegteggun.

 • Eniaritulit naunraat ungungssiit-llu cimiryuumaat qaillun

 amllertalriim wall’u cakucit naunraat igciiqellratnek carvanun

 kuignun-llu. Matum-gguq cimiryuuma ciissit neqet-llu amlletaciat 

cali-llu cimirluku ayatullra carvam. Ilait-gguq eniaritulit carvat iluatni 

naugyuumaut, anglluumangremek mayaraq-llu tumturivkangluku.

 • Eniaritulit naunraat ungungssiit-llu cimiryuumaat amlletaciat

 naunraat neqkarkait kayutekait-llu marayam iluani wall’u nangyutkaitnek allat naunraat ungungssit-llu pililuteng.

 • Eniaritulit naunraat angkanivkaryuumaat nunam amllerem

 legllerka. Ilait eniaritulriit naunraat evegpagtun pilituut amllermek

 legqeryukarenek.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 7
The threat invasive species pose to the natural ecosystem has been 

recognized for most of the last century. During this time, Alaska has 

been protected by its remote location, cold climate, and its small human 

population. But in the last 20 years, things have changed. There are 

now approximately 100 invasive species in Alaska, and more are 

arriving every year. These organisms are tough and can survive the cold 

Alaskan winters. They are being spread by people, both intentionally 

and unintentionally, over great distances. There are invasive species 

throughout Alaska: Garlic mustard and knotweed in southeast Alaska, 

pike and reed canarygrass scattered across the Kenai Peninsula, and 

white sweetclover spreading north along the Dalton Highway. Alaska 

is unique amongst the states in that these populations are small and 

scattered. There is still an opportunity to prevent invasive species from 

reaching most of Alaska and to contain the existing populations. But 

this can only be done by increasing awareness and combining efforts 

across the state. The people of southwestern Alaska can be a critical part 

of the fight against invasive species.

INVASIVE SPECIES IN ALASKA

Piitescigalengremteki-gguq makut Tengssuutet mermun mit’etulit misviilngurni 

Alaska-m iluani, mermi nautulit eniaritulit kalivcuumaut mitessuutiitni ayaglutengllu nutaranun nanvanun kuignun-llu. Angalatellrak-gguq alularcsuutek

tengrraarcelluku tengssuun ikayuutnguyartuq aug’artengnaqluki nepcimalriit 

anerteqellriit.

Although floatplanes are critical for traveling in some parts of Alaska, aquatic 

invasive species can get stuck to the floats and be carried to new lakes or rivers. 

Moving the rudders after take-off can help dislodge clinging organisms.

8 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species Steve Swenson - USDA
Uluryarnarqellrat-gguq makut eniaritulit nakmiin nunamta ayuqucianun 

taringnarqumarillruuq yuinat talliman allrakut iluatni. Taukut allrakut 

iluatni, Alaska-q aug’iarcimaquq yaaqsillermikun, negllillermikun, 

yugkitllermikun-llu. Taugaam-gguq yuinat allrakut kitunerraraat

iluatni cat cimillruut. Maa-i-gguq ellinguallruat yuinat talliman

tekilluku ayuqenrilnguut eniaritulit Alaska-mi ellingut cali allat

tekitaqluten nutaraq allrakuq tekitaqan. Kayuut-gguq makut eniaritulit 

unguvayuumaluteng-llu Alaska-m uksui nengelvangraata. Yuut-gguq 

cagtengait, nallumeggni wall’u pitsaqluten, yaaqvanun.

Eniaritulitangqertuq-gguq Alaska-q tamalkuan kassunritaareluku: Garlic 

Mustard-at knotweed-at-llu Juneau-um avatiini, keggsulit canegpiitllu Kenai-am nuvuani, white sweetclover-at-llu cagtengluteng Dalton 

Highway-m mengliini – tumyaraq piaken Prudoe Bay-mi ayagnituli 

Fairbanks-ami-llu iquklilluni. Alaska-q allacetun ayuqenrituq kavamamta 

state-aini maaggun makut eniaritulriit cali ikgelngata yaaqsiulluteng-llu. 

Anagyuumauq-gguq cali, Alaska-mi makut aka uitalriit

cagtengevkallerkatnek. Taugaam-gguq una taqucumaaput ukugkun: 

amlleq elicarluki makunek cali-llu ikayuulluta atunem callullemteggun. 

Maani-gguq nunamteńi, Alaska-m ungalaqllirneraani, yuut ikayuutiit 

piitesciigatqapiarauciquq mat’umi eniaritulinek callullemteńi.

ENIARITULIT ALASKA-M ILUANI

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 9
HOW ZEBRA MUSSELS WERE PREVENTED FROM 

ENTERING ALASKA

By Nicholas Lisuzzo, Fairbanks, AK

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) originate from the lakes of 

southern Russia, and were unknown in North America until recently. 

In 1988, zebra mussels were found in Lake St. Claire, near the city of 

Detroit, Michigan. In the first 15 years since their introduction, they 

had spread to 23 other states and caused an estimated 1 billion dollars 

in damage. These invaders are small, hard-shelled mussels that grow 

along the bottoms of lakes and rivers. They produce thousands of tiny 

offspring which can attach to boats and boat trailers. They form such 

thick groups that they can clog the intake on a boat motor, or cover river 

rocks so thickly that fish cannot spawn. They have spread beyond the 

United States into Canada.

Zebra mussels are not just a problem for the lower 48 states. US Customs

and Border Protection officers were trained to look for zebra mussels 

and educated about the threat they pose. They now inspect vehicles that 

are entering Alaska on the Alcan Highway. In recent years, officers have 

refused entry on at least two occasions to people towing boats encrusted 

with zebra mussels. The mussels are small enough to hide inside the 

cavities of boat motors, and other small notches. If they had not been 

found, the boat owners would have unwittingly introduced these mussels 

to Alaskan waters. Amy Benson - USGS, Bugwood

Allayuggaq qapilaaq. Makut-gguq

qapilakcuaraat cimirirpagyugngaut

nanvat carvat-llu taryuilnguut ayuquciat.

A zebra mussel. These tiny mussels can 

cause large changes in freshwater lakes 

and streams.

10 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
QAILLUN-GGUQ ALLAYUGGAAT QAPILAAT 

ITRAVKANRITELLRAT ALASKA-MUN

NICHOLAS LISUZZO-UM QANEMCIA

FAIRBANKS-ARMIU

Zebra Mussel-at, wall’u allayuggat qapilaat. kingunengqertut Kassapiit 

nuniita ungalaqlirneraneng uitallrit-llu nallunarqellruuq kavamamta 

nuniini. Mai-gguq caniimi pug’ngut. 1988-ami-gguq nalkutellruut 

makuneng Lake St. Claire-ami, Detroit, Michigan-am nuniini. 

Akimiaret alrakut kitullrata tekiterrarcilluki, cagtengellruutiniut 

allanun state-anun yuinat pingayun amllertalrianeng. Navgurillratllu ellinguarumaluni $1 billion dollars-amun. Eniaritulit-gguq makut 

miktut, caquit teggluteng naugaqluteng-llu nanvat kuiget-llu terratni. 

Tiissitsaat-gguq tekilluki irnitulliniut, irniarit-llu neptetulliniluteng 

angyanun angyat-llu qamurssutiitnun. Ugaani-gguq mik’um elliqeryaram 

mengessuutii patutulliniat wall’u teggalqut qaingat ugaani patum neqet 

maqvikescigataqluki. Cagtengellrulliiniut-gguq akmani state-at-llu 

kiturluki Canada-mun.

Makut qapilaat navgutngunritut akmani kiyirraan. Alrakuni-gguq canimi 

kavamamta mengliin kellutestait elicalqait ivanermeng makunek cali 

uluryarnarquciatnek. Mai-gguq yurvituit akalriat itqatalriit Alaska-mun 

tumayaraaggun. Alrakuni pellunerrareni makut kellucitulriit iteryulrianek 

Alaska-mun itevkarillrunritut malrurkugnek angyak qamukengaik 

tamakut qapilaat nepugvikumalliniagkek. Makut-gguq qapilaat miktem 

ugaani iryumaut elliqerrat ukinerratni allani-llu uitavikcuarerkani. 

Nalkellrunrilkunegteki-gguq tuani, taukuk angyalgek itrucalliniuk 

tamakunek Alaska-m mer’inun.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 11
JUNEAU’S FIGHT AGAINST GARLIC MUSTARD 

By Raymond Paddock III, Juneau, AK

Garlic mustard is a highly aggressive invasive plant that has taken 

over many forested and open habitats in the Lower 48 states. The only 

known infestations in Alaska were discovered in and around Juneau. 

Garlic mustard was first discovered in 2001 by an employee of Central 

Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA). CCTHITA 

has partnered with the Juneau Cooperative Weed Management Area 

(JCWMA) to tackle this problem plant before it can spread to other 

parts of the state. Each year members from these two groups have been 

conducting volunteer weed-pulls to reduce garlic mustard populations, 

and selectively spraying persistent patches with herbicides. Over the 

years we have learned many lessons about the best way to eliminate 

garlic mustard in Juneau. Early on, we held our weed pulls in late spring 

and summer, but we discovered that the plants were visible and more 

easily accessible earlier in the spring before native brush concealed the 

plants and made traversing the steep hillsides more difficult. For this 

reason, in recent years, weed-pulls have been conducted in the spring. 

After five years of hand-pulling treatment efforts, the garlic mustard 

continued to re-grow. The JCWMA determined that herbicide 

applications would be necessary. In 2006, the JCWMA prepared a 

proposal and received a grant to pay for herbicide applications to assist 

with control efforts. JCWMA contracted with a professional landscaper 

who was a licensed and insured herbicide applicator. Special precautions 

were made to reduce the impact to native plants. The unique lifecycle of 

garlic mustard extends its life late into the winter and it begins growing 

early in the spring. This allowed for the first application of herbicide to 

be made in October 2006, after the first fall freeze and after most of the 

native vegetation was dormant for the winter. 

Herbicide application windows in Juneau are very narrow. The spring 

window is especially narrow because as native vegetation greens up it 

becomes vulnerable to the herbicide. Fall treatments, after frosts, offer a 

bit more flexibility as most native vegetation is dormant and at reduced

12 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
risk while garlic mustard remains green, growing and vulnerable to the 

chemical. This twice-yearly spray technique seems to be effective. Fewer plants were observed at both locations following the 2006 and 2007 

spraying. In 2008, there were still a few garlic mustard plants found in 

both the sprayed and the unsprayed areas. With continued partnerships 

between tribes, JCWMA and community volunteers, we are confident 

that we can keep this species from spreading and harming Juneau’s natural resources. Raymond Paddock III - CCTHITA

Tumtuluteng nulalriit Garlic Mustard-at nalkumallret Alaska Native 

does not spread into the native forest.

Brotherhood Hall-am caniani Juneau-mi. Tamaqurmiut caliut 

cagngairutellrata nunameng avatiitnun tungiinun.

A thick patch of garlic mustard found near the Alaska Native Brotherhood 

Hall in downtown Juneau. The local community is working to ensure that it 

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 13
CCTHITA-am JCWMA-am-llu calistain ilait enuqtarilriit Garlic Mustardanek Juneau-mi.

Members of the CCTHITA and the JCWMA hand pulling garlic mustard 

in downtown Juneau.

14 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species Raymond Paddock III - CCTHITA

JUNEAU-UM CALLUUTII GARLIC MUSTARD-ANEK

Raymond Paddock Iii-Am Qanemcia – Juneau-Mi

Garlic Mustard-at eniarituliugut talluitellriit amlleq napalek napailnguqllu nuna pikngelluku akmani. Nallungrilkengaat-gguq kiingan tamakunek 

Alask-ami nalkutaullruuq Juneau-um avatiini. Nalkutqerrallruut-gguq 

makunek allrakumi 2001-ami. Calitulim Central Council Tlingit Haida 

Indian Tribes-ani (CCTHITA) nalkelliniluki. Ukut-gguq CCTHITAat ililiulluteng Juneau Cooperative Weed Management Area-aq-llu 

(JCWMA) makut callungnaqsullruit allanun nunanun state-ami iluani 

cagpialgata. Allrakuaqan-gguq calistet ukugnek calivignek nuqluki 

aug’arituut akingengailengermi ikgellingnaqevkarluki cali nauviit 

nauviksugpakallrit “spray-arluki” nauyailkutnek. Allrakut kitullret iluatni 

elitengukut amllernek aturyaranek makut tuqutellerkaat tungiinun. 

Ayagniqarraallemteńi, nuqtaritullruukut up’nerkaq iquklitqataqan 

kiagmi-llu, taugaam nataqellruaput makut naunrat tangerrnarqenrutullrat 

ullagyunarqellrat-llu up’nerkaqerraaraqan nakmiin nunamta naunraita 
iingvailgatki ullallrit-llu ingrim caqarnerani caperrnaitenrullrani. Ukut 

pitekluki, nuqciritukuut up’nerkami.

Talliman allrakut tekilluki nuqtangremteki makut Garlic Mustardat naunqigtelartut. Tangerlluku tauna, JCWMA-aq elkarcirillruuq 

naugialkutnek aturnariniluku. 2006-ami, JCWMA-aq kalikamek 

upterarluni akiinek akurtullruuq makut nauyailkutet aturarkaat 

tungiinun naunrat tamakut anagutengvialgata. JCWMA-aq kalikatgun 

ak’qevkallruuq nunanek kitugcitulineng tamakut-llu naugialkutet 

nakmiin aturtekluki cagtestekluki-llu. Tamakut nauyalkutet atullruut 

nunamta nakmiin naunrai nangcaaqevkenaki. Yuuciat Garlic Mustard-at 

allayuggauguq – yuunertulliniut uksuurteqapigtengraan naungaqlutengllu up’nerkarraarmi. Yuullrata waten ciuqliq nauyailkutem atullra ellilqa 

October-ami 2006-ami, qumqerraam kinguaraani nakmiin naunramta 

nauyuirutelrat tekiterraarcelluku. 

Nauyailkutem aturyuumallra tumkituq Juneau-mi. Nutaan up’nerkami 

atullra tumkitpiartuq nakmiin naunraput nulanerraraungameng, 

cungagliurtengaarluteng-llu nauyailkutem-llu atullra nulallrat 

navguryumaluku. Uksuarmi “spray-arilleq”, kanerpaggaarcelluku 

assinruuq makut nunamta naunrapii nauyuirutellruata aqnirutiit-llu 

ikgeciiqngan makut Garlic Mustard-at cungagliungata naulutengllu cali matum-llu nauguilkutmun navguryuumaluteng. Waten-gguq 

malrurqugnek atulleq nauyailkutmenk allrakum iluani catnguyugnarquq. 

Spray-aracilutek malruk nauviik 2006-ami, 2007-ami-llu 

ikgelingatellruut. 2008-ami carraat tangerrnarqelruut nauviktukigni, 

aipaa nauyailkutmek aturvikellrunrilengremegteggu. Atunem-gguq 

calilgulluteng-llu pikuneng nunat, JCWMA-aq, akinguilengremek-llu 

ikayutetulriit, kemyuyugtukut makut naunraat arcariinarngaitellratneng 

aqnirqengaitellratnek-llu Juneau-um nakmiin nunain pikainek.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 15
PREVENTING INVASIVE SPECIES IN

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

The invasive species problem is one that crosses all boundaries. 

Individuals, communities, states and nations are all working on ways to 

stop these invasive species. Prevention is the first and most effective 

step to stopping invasive species, and it is individuals with traditional 

knowledge of the local ecosystem that often are the first to realize an 

invader has arrived. Some important things to remember are:

• If you see an unusual plant, insect or animal, speak up! Contact 

someone knowledgeable in your community or one of the agencies 

listed at the end of this publication. Refer to the back cover of this 

guide to learn what information is needed when reporting a suspected 

invasion.

• Invasive species specialists can advise you on responding to the 

invasion. For example, some plants can be pulled up, and burned. But 

pulling actually causes other plants to spread from pieces of the root 

left in the ground, creating more of the invasive species than what you 

started with! 

• Learn what is effective before starting a control effort. Remember 

there are people and resources available in Alaska to help you.

Working together, we can preserve traditional resources for the future. 

The more people who are aware and watching for invasive species, the 

more likely that we can stop them before they become permanently 

established. Keeping an eye out in areas of disturbance or in natural areas 

that people frequent, such as berry patches or fish camps, is an important 

way to catch invasive species, before they can cause harm.

16 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
ITRAVKANRILKURTELLRAT ENIARITULIT

ALASKA-M UNGALAQLIRNERANUN

Eniaritulit arenqaillugutngullrat menglet tamalkuita keraumai. Yuut, 

nunat, state-at, kavamat-llu caliut piyaranek mikurinrilkurtellrata 

makut tungiinun. Itravkanrilkurtellrat-gguq arcaqalriaruuq cali 

catngunkacagauluni cayaraani una tumekluku yuut-llu nallunritelriit 

nunamek ayuqucianek civuqliuluteng elitaqtuat nunam pikuumanrikii 

itraqan. Arcaqalriit-gguq umyugaqarkat waniwa:

• Tangerkuvet allakaaremek naunramek, ciissimek wall’u 

ungungssimek, qanqina! Nallunritelria nunavet nakmiin ayuqucianek 

qanrulluku wall’u ikayurtekat uum kalikam iquani alngaucimalriit. 

Qanrucivailegpet-gguq uum kalikam iquanilnguut nallunritarkat 

naaqerrarluki pikina.

• Eniaritulinek eliimalriit carkarpenek cikirciqatgen taukut 

tungekluki. Ilaita piarkavet una ilakeciqngataat: ilait naunraat 

qecuggarluki legcuumaut. Iliigni-gguq taugaam qecuktallrata 

cagtengevkatui-acilquata ilait nunami unegcimaaqata. Taugatnaraqangguq amllenruluteng ayagniqarrallermegni nautuut!

• Elilluki-gguq catngulriit ayagnirivialegpet taqengnaqlerkaat 

tunginun. Enqakniaran-llu yugtangqellra, aturarkangqellra-llu 

Alaska-m iluani ukisqiryuumakitggen.

Atunem callillgutekluta matum nunamta ayuqucia nakmiin-llu imai 

anirtucuumaaput ernernun taigarkanun. Amllenrukata-gguq yuut 

nallunritelriit kellucilriit-llu makunek eniaritulinen, kemyunarqenruciquq 

itrallrat keplerka nunanteni-llu uitallrat augascigalivialgan. Kellucilleqgguq allakarautelrianek wall’u yuum amllerem ayagviktukiitnun ukutun 

aqevyissurvinun, neqlivignun wall’u uksuarvignun arcaqalriaruuq 

alaqellratnun makut eniaritulit navgurivial’gata.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 17
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT AN INVASION?

Because invasive species are typically brought to new places by humans, 

you can make a huge difference by paying attention to what you and 

others in your community do.

LEARN what you can do by reading this guide and other materials.

EDUCATE as many people as possible about the threat from invasive 

species and how to stop them. The more Alaskans looking for invasive 

species, the more likely we are to catch invasive species before they get 

out of control.

CONSIDER what you are buying. Many invasive species have been 

intentionally brought to new areas by people that did not realize they 

could be a problem. Birdseed and ornamental plants are common sources 

of invasive plants. Plants and animals found in places like Anchorage’s 

urban landscape, could be invasive where you live. 

CLEAN clothing, equipment, and vehicles. If you are transporting your 

4-wheeler, riverboat, or snowmachine from one area to another, think 

about what organisms may be hitching a ride. Seeds and other small 

organisms can often travel along unnoticed. 

WATCH for invasive species in areas such as roadsides, airports, harbors, 

gravel pits, and along rivers or streams. These areas are often where 

invasive species first show up. If you find an unusual plant or animal, 

speak up!

PREVENT the spread of invasive species along roads and trails. When 

traveling outside of southwestern Alaska, watch for non-native species 

along many roads and trails. These are common routes for spreading 

invasive species. Rural roads are no different, so keep an eye out around 

your own home, too.

18 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Makut-gguq eniarutulit yuut nunanun allanun nutaranun ayagautetuatki, 

elpet cimiryuumaan tamana murilkellerpeggun catullreten yuut-llu 

nunavni callrit.

ELILLUKU-gguq cayuumallren una kalikaq allat-llu naaqerkat naaqluki.

ELICARILUTEN amllertacirracetun allaneng yugnek makut 

navguutitnek qaillun-llu cagtellrat taqsuumallranek. Amlleqata-gguq 

Alaskarmiut ivalriit makunek, kemyunarqenruciquq angullerkaat 

cagtellrat anagutengvailgata.

UMYUGAQAQLUKU caneng kiputellren. Amlleret eniaritulit allanun 

nutaranun nunanun yuut ayautaqait nallumegni wall’u pitsaqluteng, 

nalluamegteki navguriyuumallrat. Tengmiayarat neqiit lavkarmiutat 

naunarat-llu ayagniutngutuut makunek naunranek eniaritulrianek. 

Naunrat ungungssiit-llu Anchorage-ami uitatulriit nunamteni maani 

eniarituliuyuumaut.

CARRIRLUKI aturaten, akluten, ayagssuteten-llu. Ayauteqataquvgu 

4-wheeler-an, snuukuuren, wall’u angyan allamun nunamun, enqak’iu cat 

allat anerteqelriit maligcuumalrat. Naucitaaret iqupiat allat-llu miktelriit 

anerteqelriit nalluvni maliksuumaatgen.

MURILKELLUKI tumyarat, miigviit, angyat kicarviat, gravel pitat, carvat kuiget-llu mengliit eniaritulit uitallratneng. Makuni-gguq 

eniaritulit pugqerraatuut. Nalkuskuvet-llu allakaaremeng naunramek 

wall’u ungungssimek, qanerluten!

ARCARINRILKURTELLRATNUN eniaritulit caliluten tumyaraat 

mengliitgun. Ayagaaqavet Alaska-m ungalaqlirnera kiturluku, 

murilkaqluten nunamta pikenrilkaineng tumyarani. Tumyarat-gguq

cagtellrata ayagniutektui. Tumyarat-llu-gguq nunakcuarani 

allaunrilamek, nunamta, enemta-llu augati kellunnarquq.

QAILLUN-GGUQ ELPET ITEVKARIYUUMANGAICIT?

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 19
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE

INVASIVE SPECIES!

The next few pages describe a variety of invasive species. These particular species were selected because they are very aggressive, have demonstrated the ability to survive in the climate of southwestern Alaska, and 

could seriously alter subsistence resources in the region. Information on 

what these species have done in other parts of the United States, and how 

communities are controlling them, is available from the University of 

Alaska Cooperative Extension Service. They can be reached at:

1-907-786-6316

Or online at:

www.uaf.edu/ces/

These are by no means the only potential invasive species to keep track 

of in southwestern Alaska. The most important thing to remember is to 

watch for unusual or unfamiliar species, and report them.

20 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
KIYARTAQLUTEN-GGUQ UKUNENG

ENIARITULINENG PIKINA!

Uum naqeqngarpet kalikam kinguanilguut qanruciqaatgen eniaritulineng. 

Ukut-gguq eniaritulit uitaut uum kinguani talluitqapigngameng cali-llu 

anerteqssuumaata maani nunamteni, Alaska-m ungalaqlirneraani, nertukput-llu cimiryumaitki kitug’ngairutellratnun. Nallunritarkat callratneng 

akmani, qaillun-llu ellaita aulukellriit tamakut, uitauq University of 

Alaska Cooperative Extension Service-ami. Tuqluryuumaaten wani:

1-907-786-6316

wall’u-qaa computer-aggun wani:

www.uaf.edu/ces/

Kiyiimek-gguq ukut eniarituliunritut nunamteni paqnanarqelriit. Arcaqaqapiarertuq-gguq enqaklerka uum: kelluterllainarluten allayuggarnek, 

qanrutekluki-llu.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 21
REED CANARYGRASS – Phalaris arundinacea

Reed canarygrass can be distinguished from other native grasses by two 

characteristics. It often is taller than most native grasses, reaching heights 

of up to 5 feet. It also has a tendency to remain green later into the fall 

than the grass native to Alaska.

HOW REED CANARYGRASS COULD DESTROY

 SALMON HABITAT

By Blaine Spellman, Homer, AK

Reed canarygrass represents a serious threat to Alaskan salmon and the 

people and animals that rely upon salmon as an invaluable resource. 

Approximately 30 years ago, reed canarygrass was promoted for a 

variety of uses throughout Alaska. It is a high-quality forage crop, has 

the ability to grow in wet soils, and can greatly reduce soil erosion. Like 

many other non-native plants, reed canarygrass was introduced for its 

beneficial purposes. However, reed canarygrass has escaped cultivation. 

Land managers around the state now view this species as an invasive 

plant. They are concerned that this non-native weed now threatens 

Alaskan salmon streams.

Unlike many other grasses, reed canarygrass can actually grow submerged in water. It can restrict the flow of water in streams and prevent 

the passage of salmon. This invasive grass tolerates extremely wet soils 

and can form dense patches of a single species along the fringes of 

streams. 

 

Blaine Spellman - AACD

Reed canarygrass-at nulalriit North Fork 

cimiyuunani uksuaq yaaqsigingraan. 

Anchor River-ami Kenai-am nuvuani, 

amllernek neqengqpallutuuq.

Reed canarygrass growing in North Fork 

Anchor River on the Kenai Penisula, a 

productive Alaskan salmon stream.

22 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
As water levels along these streams seasonally decrease, bare soil is 

exposed. Reed canarygrass has an uncanny ability to extend its roots 

from the edge of the river, and advance into a water body. As reed 

canarygrass marches into a stream, the grass collects sediment that can 

both increase the size of silt and sand bars and restrict both the width and 

flow of a stream. The altered flow of the stream could prevent salmon 

from reaching spawning habitat and restrict the movement of salmon 

spawn. On the Kenai Pennisula, land managers commonly observed 

reed canarygrass in roadside ditches and hayfields, but they did not 

know that reed canarygrass had moved into river systems of the Kenai 

Peninsula. A citizens’ group called the Kenai Peninsula Cooperative 

Weed Management Area (KP-CWMA) surveyed the Kenai Peninsula 

road system and identified infestations that bordered salmon streams. 

Unfortunately, they found mile upon mile of reed canarygrass on several 

important salmon streams including the Kenai River and the North 

Fork of the Anchor River. Plants growing along roads that bordered the 

streams supplied the seed or root fragments needed for reed canarygrass 

to spread along miles of Kenai Peninsula salmon streams. While these 

results present a challenging situation, there is hope!

The majority of salmon streams on the Kenai Peninsula have limited 

or no known reed canarygrass infestations. This is great news, as 

preventing invasive plants from moving onto streams is monumentally 

easier and cheaper than controlling them once they are already there. In 

the future, KP-CWMA will monitor for new patches of reed canarygrass 

on pristine salmon streams, and when found, will rapidly eliminate the 

infestations. Furthermore, reed canarygrass growing near bridges or 

along roads that border streams will be managed to prevent seeds from 

invading into new river systems. With hard work and perseverance, we 

can protect many salmon streams from invasion by reed canarygrass and 

conserve the invaluable salmon resources of the Kenai Peninsula.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 23
Reed canarygrass-at (canegpiit) allaullrit nakmiin evgemtenek 

nallunailkutangqertut malrugnek. Cugtunrutuuq evgemteni ilait talliman 

feet-at tekitaqluku. Alaska-rmiucetun canegtun ayuqenrilameng minguat.

REED CANARYGRASS -AT - PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA

QAILLUN REED CANARYGRASS-AT 

NAVGURYUUMALLRAT NEQET UITAVIAT

BLAINE SPELLMAN-AM QANEMCIA – HOMER-AMI

Reed canarygrass-at-gguq nangyutnguut aarnarqeqapairluteng-llu 

makunun Alaska-m neqainun cali-llu yugnun ungungssinun-llu neqnek 

nertulriit. Yuinat qulen allrakut piurtut makut canegpiitcanegpiit 

aturnaluki ayuqenrilngurnun Alaska-mun intrutellrat. Evkegciuqgguq, nauyuumaluni mecuungraan, cali-llu nunam itumyullra 

ikgellirpagyuumaluku. Allacetun nakmiin naunraqenrilkemcetun, 

canegpiitcanegpiit makut taitellruit ikayuutngurkauluki. Taugaam-gguq, 

canegpiit makut nauyuirutut nauvigkameggni kiingan. Nunaliurtet stateam iluani tangrrumaat makut canegpiit eniarituliuluki. Aaryugtut evget 

makut aarnaqutnguniluki Alaska-m neqautiin carvainun.

Allatun canegtun pivkenateng, makut canegpiit nauyugngaut mermi 

angllumangermeng. Mer’em ayallra carvami ikeglivkaryugngaat 

neqet-llu mayurciigalivkarluki. Makut-gguq canget cangaksuitaat 

mer’urpalluungraata marayat nauvikteng carvat mengliitni.

Mer’et carvam mengliini ikgeliraqan cillam cimillra malikluku, marayaq 

pugngetuuq. Canegpiit-gguq makut acilqut’eng taklirivkaryumaliiniit 

kuigem/carvam cińiinek itellratnun mer’em iluanun. Itngaqameng 

mermun, katurcitulliniut marayamek. Tuatnaqameng-gguq 

amllerivkatulliniat marayam enaam-llu angtutaciak ikeglivkarlukekllu kuigem/carvam iqtutacia mer’em-llu carvallra. Carvallra kuigem/

carvam cimiraqan neqet mayurciigalituut qurrvikameggteńun 

qurrellrit-llu ayagvigkaicuarluteng. Kenai-am nuvugpaani, nunanek 

aulukitulit tangtullruut makunek canegpagnek tumyarat avatiitni hayat-llu nauviatni. Nallullruit makut canegpiit ayangellrat Kenai-am 

kuiginun. Yuut katurtellret aprumaluteng Kenai Peninsula Cooperative 

24 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Weed Management Area-ameng 

(KPCWMA) cuqtellruat Kenaiam tumyarai. Ukut cuqcilriit 

nalkutellrulliniut naulrianek, 

agneret qayutun taktataluteng, 

arcaqalriit neqet mayurviktukiitni 

carvat kuiget-llu mengliitni ukuk 

ilaklukek, Kenai-am kuiga North 

Fork-ani-llu Anchor River-am. 

Naunrat-gguq nulalriit tumyarani 

kuiget nunitni cikillrulliniit 

nuuqekngaitnek naunrait 

iqupiitnek cagtevkarluki-llu neqet 

maqviktuqiitni carvani, 

qayutun agneret iluatni. Uum-gguq 

ayuqucia capernarqellriaruyaaquq, 

taugaam ayagvigkangqertuq 

assilriamek!

Amllenrit-gguq kuiget Kenai-am avatiini ikgetelrianek pingqertut 

canegpagnek ilait-llu piinateng. Uum niitellra assirtuq. Kellutellriit 

eniaritulit sagtellerkaat qacignanqegpaga akillruluni uumi 

tuqutenaqellrata ak’a uitangellruaqata. Tekiteksailngurni ernerni, 

KP-CWMA-aq kelluciciquq nutaranek nulalrianek canegpagnek 

agtuumanrilngurni carvani neqet mayutuqiitni, cali-llu nalkekuunegteki 

egmian tuqulluki nulalriit. Cali-llu, canegpiit nulalriit kuiget akriit 

caniatni wall’u tumyarat mengliitni carvart nuniitni kellucimaciqut 

iqupiit cagtellerkatnek cali-llu eniarillekait allanek nutaranek kuignek. 

Calirpakumta-gguq taqsuunata, amlleret carvat neqet mayurviktullrit 

anaguciiqaput canegpagnuk itrallerkaatnun aninqelluki-llu Kenai-am 

nuvugpiin neqautai.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 25

pikumanrilriaruuq marayamek quyurcituli 

sugtutayuumaluni-llu talliman itegneret 

tekilluki.

Reed canarygrass is a non-native that is 

sod-forming and can grow up to 5 feet in 

height.

Reed canarygrass-at (canegpiit) nakmiin 

Blaine Spellman - AACD
Oxeye daisy has been widely 

distributed around the world as a 

favorite plant in homes and gardens. 

The major threat from this plant is 

that it grows very rapidly outside the 

garden. This often results in native 

vegetation losing out as oxeye daisy 

replaces it. Because it is so successful

outside the garden it could threaten 

local berry producing plants and other

native species. 

Oxeye daisy plants are 1-3 feet tall, 

with broad, lobed leaves near the base

A single white flower is found at the 

top of each stem, between 1 and 2 

inches wide. Many gardeners think 

that they are very pretty, until oxeye 

daisy plants start to take over their 

entire garden, and the surrounding 

area. 

. 

OXEYE DAISY- Leucanthemum vulgareKeith Weller - USDA, Bugwood

Oxeye Daisy-it-gguq 

naucetarillruuq amllerem 

Alaska-m iluani, Dillingham-ami 

allani-llu nunacuarni uitalriit 

Kuigpiim Kusquqviim-llu avatiigni.

Oxeye daisy has been planted 

in many locations across Alaska, 

including Dillingham, and some 

villages along the Yukon and 

Kuskokwim Rivers.

26 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Oxeye daisy-t sagcimaut nunarpiim amllerem iluani nakmiqaqlukullu yuut nem’eggni naucirivimegteni-llu naullrat. Una-gguq aarnarquq 

nulatuami cukaqapiggluni nauciriviit ellatiitni. Waten-gguq ayuqellran 

nakmiin nunami nautulit piluayuitut makut oxeye daisy-t eniaritutuatki. 

Nauyuumallran-gguq tiqiqevkenaku nauciriviim ellatiini makut naunrat 

atsalitulit nakmiin-llu nunamta naunrai arnamun nallriit eksugngai.

Makut-gguq nautuut atauciit yaavet pingayun itegneret tekilluki, 

qecigtulrianek kecukutangqerrluteng terr’an nuniini. Ataucirraqgguq naunraq uitalartuq kangrani, ataucinkuk malruk-llu cetyagaak 

iluagni. Amlleret naucistet naunranekkenegnaqniluki pituut 

elitaqvialegmegteggu makut tamalkuan nauvigteng, nauvik-llu cipluku, 

atungaqakgu.

OXEYE DAISY-iq – Leucanthemum vulgare

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 27
WHITE AND YELLOW SWEETCLOVER – Melilotus spp.

The sweetclovers are tall members of the same plant family as lupine 

and Eskimo potato, and have either white or yellow flowers. Both 

white and yellow sweetclover normally reproduce every other year, but 

have been found to flower and produce seed after one growing season 

in Alaska, possibly due to the long hours of daylight during summer 

months. The sweetclovers alter soil chemistry through a chemical that is 

toxic to grazing animals and livestock, and produce their own fertilizer. 

Sweetclover has spread along the road system throughout interior Alaska, 

and efforts are currently underway to prevent its spread along rivers that 

cross the road system.

Qatellriit Sweetclover-at naunrait anrraarcelluki. Navkaryukaaraat

naucetaat makut iqupiliyugngaut amllernek atuyuumalrianek marayami 

allrakut qayutun iluatni.

White sweetclover in bloom. The delicate flowers can produce many seeds 

that can remain viable in the soil for years.

28 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species Trish Wurtz - USDA
THE SPREAD OF SWEETCLOVER IN THE FAR NORTH

By Nicholas Lisuzzo, Fairbanks, AK

Sweetclover was introduced to Alaska in 1913 as food for livestock and 

since then it has spread across large portions of the state. In 2000, it was 

widely distributed along the road system from the Kenai Peninsula to the 

Yukon River, but in 2001 it managed to spread across the Yukon. Now it 

can be found from the Yukon River to the southern edge of the Brooks 

Range. Of all the invasive plants in Alaska, sweetclover is thought to be 

spreading the most rapidly. It is not just spreading along the roads and 

other areas impacted by large numbers of humans, but is also spreading 

down rivers into more remote areas. 

Three major rivers in Alaska have known infestations of sweetclover: 

the Stikine, the Matanusuka, and the Nenana Rivers. The sweetclover 

seeds float in water, and the plant has been spreading along each of these 

rivers. Currently, sweetclover grows adjacent to road crossings over the 

Tanana, Yukon, Kanuti, and Koyoukuk rivers, as well as other smaller 

watersheds. 

There is concern that if sweetclover spreads down the Tanana and Yukon 

rivers, it may replace willow and alders in many areas, causing changes 

in wildlife habitat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been working with concerned 

citizens to remove sweetclover plants near river crossings along the road 

systems north of Fairbanks in an effort to stop its spread. Each year a 

large group of volunteers drives up the road and removes populations 

of sweetclover growing near bridges. Although they may not be able 

to completely clear the road of sweetclover, by focusing on the river 

crossings, they hope to prevent it from spreading downstream into 

western Alaska.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 29
Trish Wurtz - USDA

Qatellriit Sweetclover-at nulatuut cukamek nuna nulatulit-llu

sagcimallruaqan, uutun tumyaram mengliini tarenrami.

White sweetclover rapidly grows in areas where the soil and 

vegetation has been distrubed, such as along roadsides like 

the one pictured above.

30 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species

QATELLRIA AKERTERNGALNGUQ-LLU

SWEETCLOVER-AQ – Melilotus spp.

Sweetclover-at-gguq sugtunrulrairuut ilameggni lupine-at 

Eskimo-potato-t-llu, qatelrianek-llu wall’u akerterngalngurnek 

naunrangqerrluteng. Tamarmek-gguq qatellriit akerterngalnguutllu cimirkanglartut allrakum amaliarneraani, taugaam elitaqngelqait 

naucetangetullrat iqupingyuumallrat-llu allrakum ataucim naurrarcelluki 

kinguani Alaska-mi. Tan’geriyuitellranun Alaska-m kiagaqan tamana 

ellillruat. Makut-gguq cimilaraat marayam ayuqucia chemical-akun 

piliamegteggun. Man’a-gguq piliarat tuqunarquq ungungssinun nertulriit 

naunranek qunguturanun-llu. Elmeggnek-llu cikitulliniut ikayutnek 

naullrit assinruniartuq, cukanruluni wall’u tukninruluni (fertilizer-amek). 

Sweetclover-at-gguq sagtengngut tumyarani Alaska-m iluqlirnerani 

maa-i-llu calingelliniut sagtenrilqurtellrat tungekluku kuiget mengliitni 

tumyarat qeratukiitni. 
SWEETCLOVER-AT SAGTENGELLRAT

YAAQVANI NEGEQLIRMI

Nicholas Lisuzzo-Um Qanemicia, Fairbanks-Am

Sweetclover-at-gguq itqerraallruut Alaska-mun 1913-ami neqkarkauluten 

qunguturanun tuakenirnek-llu sagtengellruut amllermun state-amun. 

2000-ami, amlleq sagcimallruuq tumyaralegni kanaken Kenai-am 

avatiinek Kuigpiim avatiinun, taugaam 2001-ami kerangellrulliniuq 

Kuigpiim akianun. Maa-i nalleksugngait Kuigpagmek piavet qagkumiut 

ingriata ungalaqlirneratnun - Brooks Range-amek atelget. Eniaritulitgguq naunrat tamalkuitni, umyugautnguuq makut Sweetclover-at 

cagtengut cukamek. Kiirran-gguq sagtengenrituq tumyarat wall’u yuut 

uitayunqekiitni taugaam sagtenguq kuiget maliggluki yuitellrianun 

yaaqsingraata.

Nallunritut maa-i pingayun kuigpiit Alaska-mi makut 

uitavikengellratnek: Stikine-aq, Matanuska-q, Nenana River-aqllu. Sweerclover-at-gguq iqupiit mermi pugtalartut, una-llu naunraq 

sagtengluni ukut kuiget mengliitni. Maa-i-gguq Sweetclover-at 

naulartut akiatni tumyarat kuiget qeraviatni Tanana-mi, Kuigpagmi, 

Kanuti-mi Koyukuk-am-llu kuigitni, allani-llu kuicuarni, qagatiitnillu. Uluryayugtut-gguq makut Sweetclover-at sageskata Tanana-m, 

Kuigpiim-llu mengliik maliklukek, eniarnayuklukek napat cuukvaguatllu amllerem cailkam iluani cimirluku-llu nakmiin nunamteni uitatulit 

uitaviat. Melkuliurtet (USFSW) BLM-at-llu caliut yugnek aaryulrianek 

aipirluteng aug’ariluteng makunek kuiget qeraryaraitni tumyaram 

nuniini uitalriit Fairbanks-am negrani sagtellrat taqengnaqluku. 

Allrakuaqan amlleret ikayuutellriit akinguilengermeng tumyarakun 

ayatuut qecugtaariluteng-llu nulalrianek kuiget qeraryaraitni. Tamalkuita 

aug’arngaileng’ermegteki tumyarat avatiitni, waten aeraryaraat 

arcaqakekunegteki taqengnaqsugait sagtellrata kuigem paingan 

tungiinun-maavet nunamtenun Alaska-m ungalaqlirneranun.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 31
RED AND ARCTIC FOXES ON THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

By Steve Ebbert, Homer, AK

Red and arctic foxes are native to Alaska and occur naturally on some 

Alaskan islands. However, both species of foxes were introduced to more 

than 400 islands by fur merchants. This practice began during Alaska’s 

Russian period, but continued and became more widespread during the 

territorial days. The cumulative impact from this practice was a loss 

of more than a million acres of pristine Aleutian island breeding and 

nesting habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. The U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service began eradicating introduced foxes from uninhabited 

refuge islands in 1949. The program of the Alaska Maritime National 

Wildlife Refuge continues today with more than 40 islands (more than a 

million acres) restored to their original fox-free status.

The Aleutian cackling Canada goos

was once reduced to only a few 

fox-free Aleutian Islands and listed 

as an endangered species, but was 

successfully reintroduced to some 

islands after fox eradication. This 

invasive species eradication and 

island restoration effort helped 

achieve full recovery of this unique 

goose and enabled its removal 

from the endangered species list. 

The fox eradication project is 

one part of the Alaska Maritime 

National Wildlife Refuge’s effort to 

eradicate invasive species to restore 

island ecosystems and their natural 

biodiversity.

e 

Uliiq Pribilof qikertam aipaagni uitalria.

Ellillruut-gguq kavianek uliirnek-llu

Alaska-m qikertainun melqulegcuutulitggun.

An arctic fox from the Pribilofs Islands. 

Foxes were stocked for fur ranching on 

many Alaskan islands. 

Steve Ebbert - USF&WS

32 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
KAVIAT ULIIRET-LLU TALLIQUNI UITALRIIT

Steve Ebbert-Am Qanemcia -Homer-Ami

Kaviat Uliiret-llu nakmiin Alaska-m ungungssiqai nakmiin-llu 

uitatuluteng ilaitni Alaska-m qikertaini. Taugaam, tamarmek ukuk ilait 

melqulegnek kiputetulit intrutellruit cetaman negagat amllertalrianek 

qikertat makut, talliqumitelriit, ilaitnun. Waten pillrat ayagnillruuq 

kass’apiit uitallratni, taugaam ayangraata kass’apiit piciryaraat tamana 

egmiutellruat arcarinruluku Alaska-q state-aurpialgan. Waten-gguq 

pillrata katurlluni tunertutacia million-at cipluki tamarivkallruit 

navguumanrilngurnek mermiutat, allat-llu tengmiat irniviatni 

uitaviatnek-llu. Melquliurtet taqellruat intrucinermek kavianek uliirnengllu uilngurnek qiqertanek 1949-ami. Piciryaraq una ukut Alaska 

Maritime National Wildlife Refuge-am ayagnillrat man’a erneq tekilluku 

atuuguq qulen cetaman-llu qikertat (million-acre-atun amllertalriit) 

ayuqucillermegcetun ellirtut, kavianek uliirnek-llu piinateng.

Talliqurmiut tuutangayiit 

ikgellillruyaaqut qayuturrarnun 

kaviaritellrianun qikertanun 

pitaqarkaunritellrianunllu ilakulluteng, taugaam 

pitaqsuumalrianun 

qiptellruut qikertat ilaitni 

kaviariuruqaarcelluki. 

Makut eniaritulit aug’allriit 

makunek qikertanek 

qipcitelruit tuutangayiit 

ayuqetullratnaun kaviangvailgan 

aug’arcelluki-llu igaucimallrat 

pitaqarkaunritellriani. Kaviaret 

Uliiret-llu piunrivkallrit 

qikertani ilakaat ukut Alaska 

Maritime National Wildlife 

Refuge-am caliarini eniaritulit 

tungekluki tamakut-llu qikertat 

qipcelluki ayuqucillermegcetun 

qiptevkarluki.

uitalriit ungungssiitetuata nertulinek allanek, 

kaviat uliiret-llu lagit amlleret nakmiin tamani 

uitatulriit nagellruit. Lagit tamaqurmiut 

uitayuitellruut allanek ilaluteng.

A red fox. Because many of the Aleutians 

Islands have no native mammalian predators, 

introduced foxes have eliminated many native 

birds that have not adapted to co-exist.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 33

Kaviaq. Amlleret-gguq Talliqurni kiqertat 

Steve Ebbert - USF&WS
YELLOW TOADFLAX - Linaria vulgaris

Yellow toadflax is native to Eurasia and is now widespread throughout 

the United States. Since the plant is an attractive ornamental, it has been 

widely planted as a “wildflower,” including in areas of rural Alaska. It 

can grow from roots or seeds, and can out-compete native plants. It is 

inedible to some animals and poisonous to others. Its flowers are highly 

attractive to insects, drawing them away from native plants. This has the 

potential to reduce or eliminate the reproduction of native plants.

Few species of native plants 

could be confused with toadfla

The yellow, spurred flowers 

distinguish it from other plant

similar in appearance. Toadfla

populations are currently 

known in several Yukon and 

Kuskokwim River villages.

x. 

s 

x 

Steve Dewey - Utah State University, Bugwood

Nuna-gguq Toadflax-at nauvikngellrat 

nakmiin naunraat nulatulit eniarluki.

A forest where the understory vegetation has 

been completely replaced with toadflax.

34 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Akerterngalnguut naucetaarita

takellrianek ipengqellriit 

ayuquciqaat Toadflax-at.

The yellow flowers with the long spur

are characterstic of yellow toadflax.

Micheal Shepard -NPS

Akerterngalnguut toadflax-at nakmiin 

agcimaluteng akmani. Tangniqngata-g

ELLOW TOADFLAX-AT - Linar

s

auluki, nunacuaraat Alaska-m iluani ila

acilqunek wall’u iqupignek ayagnirluni

allat-llu naunrat eniaryuumaluki. Ilait 

ungungssiit neresciigatait ilaita-llu 

tuqunarqekluki. Naucetaari ciissiit

ullagyunqerrait nakmiin nunamta 

naunrai allurrluki. Waten-gguq pillra 

uluryanarquq nunamta nakmiin naunra

ikeglivkaryuumaitki wall’u

piunrivkarluki. 

Ikgetut-gguq nakmiin naunraput 

ayuqelriit Toadflax-atun. Naucetaaritagguq akerterngalnguq kangia

ipegngatellrianek pilek allakauvkalaraa

allanek ayuqsarpigakiitnek. Toadflaxat uitaut qayutun nunani Kusquqviim 

Kuigpiim-llu avatiini.

Y

Eurasia-armiunguut maa-i-llu 

guq naucillruit “wildflower”-

ia vulgaris

kluki. Nauyuumauq-gguq 

i 

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 35
CHEATGRASS – Bromus tectorum

Cheatgrass is originally from the Mediterranean region but has been 

found as far north as Nome, Alaska. Cheatgrass grows very fast at the 

beginning of spring and summer, and then often dies in mid-summer, 

leaving behind dry brown stems. The seeds are very sharp and cut the 

mouths and eyes of animals. Each plant produces up to 300 seeds, which 

stick to fur and clothing, allowing animals and humans to move the seeds 

long distances. Cheatgrass also is the host to over 20 species of viruses 

that affect other plants. This grass could easily be transported in straw 

for dog teams and other animals.

Iqupilget-gguq cheatgrass-am epulquani. Ipelriit iqupiit kilituit 

qanritgun iingitgun-llu ungungssiit iliigni nangyun/ciissinglleq 

ayagnircelluku.

 A seed head from a stalk of cheatgrass. The sharp seeds often 

cut the mouths and eyes of animals, sometimes leading to 

infection.

36 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species Steve Dewey - Utah State University, Bugwood
Cheatgrass-at wani enairillruatt nakmiin nunam naunrai. Nalatuami 

kiagem ayagnillran ak’anivkenaku kinelriit makut kenret arcarivkatui.

Cheatgrass has completely replaced the native understory vegetation of this forest. Because it dies early in the summer, the brown 

dry stalks are prime fuel for forest fires.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 37 Leslie Mehrhoff - University of Connecticut, Bugwood

CHEATGRASS – At - Bromus tectorum

Cheatgrass-at nakmiin kingunrat Mediterranean-am avatiini uitauq 

taugaam nalkumallruuq Nome Alaska-mi. Cheatgrass-at naulartut 

cukamek up’nerkami kiagmi-llu, tuquluni-llu kiagem iluani, uniciluni 

takellrianek kinerluntek-llu marayarngalngurnek ipegnek.

Iqupiik-gguq ipegcetqapiartut kiliraqluki-llu ungungssiit qanritgun 

iingitgun-llu. Atauciq-gguq nalatuli yuinat talliman pingayunek 

imalegnek iqupingqelartuq, makut-llu iqupii neptetulliniluteng yuut 

aturaitnun ungungssiit-llu melquatnun. Taugaam naryuumallrata-gguq 

yaaqvanun ayaucetevkalarai iqupii. Cheatgrass-at-llu yuinat cipluki 

nangyuutngutulinek allanun naunranun imangqelliniut. Una-gguq canek 

qaciggarmi ayauciyugngauq qimugtet allat-llu ungungssiit acikaitni.
ATLANTIC SALMON - Salmo salar

This non-native species of salmon has been introduced to Alaskan 

waters from large-scale salmon farms in Washington and British 

Columbia. In British Columbia alone, roughly 10 million individual 

fish were raised in a single year. Some of these fish escape and swim 

north toward Alaska. The number of Atlantic salmon found in southeast 

Alaska is estimated at around 3,000 fish per year and is increasing. 

Atlantic salmon have been caught by commerical fishermen as far north 

as the Bering Sea.

This species of salmon is thought to be a threat to native salmon in 

several ways, including the spread of diseases and parasites, taking 

over the breeding grounds of other salmon species, eating other salmon 

species, out-competing other species for resources, and potentially 

interbreeding with native species. All of these potential impacts would 

have serious economic, subsistence, and ecological consequences to 

people and communities dependent on Alaskan salmon populations.

Taqneq Altlantic Salmon-aq. Nulayuirutelriit uqamangqetuut

pingayunlegen yaavet qulen pound-anek.

 An adult Atlantic salmon. Fully grown Atlantic salmon weigh around 8 - 10 lbs.

Will Soltau - Rainforest Coalition

38 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
ATLANTIC SALMON – At - Salmo salar

Una nakmiin pikenrilkumalria itellruuq Alaska-m mer’inun angelria

makunek nauciritulinek Washington-ami, British Columbia-amillu. British Columbia-ami-gguq kiirraan, qulen million-at neqet 

nauvkallruut ataucim allrakum iluani. Ilait-gguq makut naucirat neq

qimaggarrluteng Alaska-m tungiinun kuimellruut. Amllertaciat mak

neqet ellinguarumauq pingayun tiissitsaat tekilluku allrakum iluani 

amllerinarluni-llu tauna ellinguarutkaat. Makut neqet pitaqlarait 

akikaqluki-llu neqssulriit yaaqsitaluni Bering Sea-atun.

Umyuartengut makut neqet nangyutnguniluki nakmiin neqemtenun 

qavcinek, uggun-llu sagtengellrata nangyutet ciissit-llu neqemteni, 

neqemta uitaviatnek allurcillrat , allanek neqnek nertullrat, 

neqautekait nakmiin neqemta nerluki, neqemtenun-llu ilaurtellriit 

maaggun irnillermegteggun neqemtenek aipirluteng. Tamarmeng 

makut tunertuciqut agatuumalrat - neqemtenun, akingutemteggun, 

nertukkemteggun cali-llu ayuqucia nunamta mer’i-llu assirpek’naku

agtuumaciqellrakun. Alaska-m neqaikun yuutulit, neqemta-llu nakm

amllertaciat agtuumaciqaat assirpek’naku.

nek 

et 

ut 

iin 

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 39
NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAILS - Potamopyrgus antipodarum

One of the greatest potential threats to fish habitat in Alaskan streams 

may be a tiny snail from the other side of the world. Since the mid1980’s, North American populations of New Zealand mudsnails in some 

infested streams have reached up to 3/4 million individuals in an area the 

size of a kitchen table. New Zealand mudsnails can reduce and replace 

native insects, which would impact the food chain of native salmon and 

other fish species. These tiny snails are difficult to detect and can move 

around on fishing lures, in boot treads, on clothing and boats. Visiting 

sportsmen could easily bring these creatures with them when traveling in 

the state.

Mikcuayagaat New Zealand-am ciutequmluyaagai ayagayugngaut 

iirumaluteng sap’akini, aturani, ayagcuutni-llu.

Tiny New Zealand Mudsnails can easily travel hidden on boots, 

clothing, and vehicles.

NPS, Bugwood

40 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 41

NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAILS - At – Potamopyrgus antipodarum

Atauciq nangrunarqeqapiaryuumalria neqet uitaviatnun carvani Alaska-mi 

ciutequmluyagauciqngatuq tailleq nunarpiim amatiinek. 1980-it qukaitnek 

ayagluni, North America-ami amllertaciat makut ciutequmluyagaat 

ellinguarumauq waten: 3⁄4 million-at uitatuut estuulum enevni uitalriim 

qaingan angtaciatun. Makut ciutequmluyagaat ikgellivkaryuugngait 

eniarluki-llu nakmiin nunamta ciissiutai, tuatnakuni-llu neqautait 

neqet tunertulriamek cimiryuugngaat. Makucuaraat-gguq nalkellrit 

qacignarqenrituq ayagayuumaluuteng-llu neqcarkani, sap’akiit acilquatni, 

aturani, angyani-llu. Cenirtelriit-gguq manarayaryarturluteng taicugngait 

taigaqameng state-amtenun.
HAWKWEED – Hieracium spp.

Of all the invasive exotic plants that have been introduced to Alaska, 

none seem better suited to Alaskan climates than the hawkweed species. 

With hairy light green leaves, 2- to 24-inch stems, and distinctive fiery 

orange, red, or yellow flowers, populations of hawkweed have been 

increasing across Southcentral Alaska. Hawkweed continues to be 

popular in gardens, roadsides and cemeteries. Sharing of seeds and plants 

continues, and the plants also spread by wind-borne seed and creeping 

roots. Hawkweed can quickly replace all other vegetation in meadows 

and open areas. 

Since this plant does not respond well to either mowing or pulling, most 

of the research and successful control strategies in Alaska have relied 

on herbicides. Continuing education and outreach to gardeners and the 

businesses that serve them will be an important component to any longterm control of this species. 

Qallerngalnguq Hawkweed-aq cali nautuuq

nunakcuarani Alaska-mi. Cagteqeryuumauq

-gguq cukameng nauvikerrarallni kiturluki.

Orange hawkweed flourishes where it was planted in many 

villages in Alaska. It can quickly spread beyond where it 

was originally wanted.

42 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species Micheal Shepard -NPS
Tumyaraq Hawkweed-at cirlakellrat allaneng 

naunraneng.

A roadside dominated by yellow hawkweed.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 43 Trish Wurtz - USDA

HAWKWEED – At - Hieracium spp.

Eniaritulit naunraat Alaska-mun itrutellret tamalkuitni, Hawkweedat cillamta ayuqellranun maligulluni assirluni pituuq. Nuyilrianeng 

cuyangqerlluteng cungagcitngatellrianeng, ipulquat taktatayuumaluni 

malruk yaavet yuinaq cetaman cetyaaret tekilluki, naucetarit-llu 

nallunaitqapigluteng qallerngalnguq, kavirliq wall’u akerterngalngurneng 

mingungqerlluteng. Makut amllerinartut Alaska-m south-central-ani. 

Hawkweed-at cali mai cucukumaatut naucitarvigni, tumyarat menglitni 

qungucivigni-llu. Tuvqakillrat makuneng iqupiatneng-llu cimiqsaituq 

cali cagtenguut iqupiat anuqem tengtaqatki maaggun-llu auretulikun 

naunrakun. Makut-gguq eniariyuumaat tamalkuita nautulit can’gurnerni.

Una-gguq cakaniyuilngalan enuqtaratni wall’u naukengaat navgurluku 

amllerem taqennaqlerkaat tungiitnun cayarat naugialkutnun tutcimauq. 

Elicarilleq nauciritulineng kipugviatneng-llu arcaqerciquq uum 

naunrilqurtevkallrata tunginun.
GREEN ALDER SAWFLY – Monsoma pulveratum

This small wasp is originally from Europe, but it was first found in 

Alaska in 2004 near Anchorage. Within five years, it has spread across 

the Kenai Peninsula and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and has been 

found in Fairbanks and Juneau. The small green larva from this wasp 

eats alder leaves for their food source, and their feeding patterns leaves 

nothing but the leaf veins. 

It is believed that the green alder sawfly is responsible for helping to kill 

large areas of alder across the state, and for potentially spreading diseases 

between alders. Because alders create large amounts of natural fertilizer, 

their loss from the ecosystem reduces the long-term success of willows 

and other plants that grow nearby. Over time, this species will likely 

move across the state either by 

following the river corridors, 

or by being transported 

unintentionally by humans.

The adult sawflies look 

like small black and white 

striped wasps and are 

difficult to distinguish 

from native insects. The 

larvae are commonly found 

feeding on the underside 

of thinleaf alder in early 

and mid-spring. They can 

also be found in small holes 

which they create in rotten 

wood to protect them from 

the cold during winter. 

Quplua Green Alder Sawfly-am.

A larva from the green alder sawfly. 

Ken Zogas - USDA

44 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
GREEN ALDER SAWFLY – At - Monsoma pulveratum

Una-gguq melugsakcuaraq kingunengqertuq Europe-ami, taugaam 

nalkekarralqaat Alaska-mi 2004-ami Anchorage-am nuniineng. 

Alrakut talliman iluatni, cagtellruuq Kenai-am Matanuska Valleyim-llu augatinun cali nalkutellruluteng Fairbanks-ami Juneau-mi-llu. 

Quplukcuarait-gguq, cungagliuluteng, nertulliniut cukvaguat cuyaitneng 

neraqameng-llu tamalkuan nertulliniat epulquat kiyirraan pivkenaku.

Taringnaqutekuumaut-gguq makut sawfly-at qupluata amlleq cukvaguaq 

nalavkallqaat state-am iluani, nangyutneng-llu cagcitullrat cukvaguani. 

Cukvaguat pilituata amllermeng ikayutekaaneng makut nautulriit 

atutukiitneng, catairutellrat nunameng uqvigat allat-llu nautulriit nuniitni 

nautullrit akanun piungaitut. Piurainarluteng-llu makut cagtengciqut 

state-aq kassugluku - kuiget 

maligtenrilkunegteki, yuut 

nallumeggni ayauciqait.

Taqneret sawfly-at ayuqut 

melugsapiitun taugaam 

miknateng, tunguluteng 

cetengqerlluteng-llu qatelrianeng 

allakaullrit-llu capennaqluni 

nakmiin nunamta ciissiatneng. 

Qupluat nalkumatuut nerluteng 

cukvaguat cuyiita acilquatni 

upnerkaqarragakan, upnerkaq-llu 

qukaraqaku. Nalkutnarqetuut-llu 

ukinekcuareni arumalriit muragat 

iluatni – uksiviketulliniat makut 

quullerkarteng augitengnaqluku.

Taqneq Green Alder Sawfly-aq. Kaganguteng antetullianiat cukvaguat cuyaitni, 

cuyat cuyapiutepailgata. 

An adult green alder sawfly. Eggs are often 

lain on alder leaves before the leaf has 

completely emerged.

Ken Zogas - USDA

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 45
WATERWEED - Elodea spp.

Waterweed is a submerged aquatic plant found in slow-flowing waters in 

the continental US and British Columbia, Canada. Waterweed is a very 

delicate plant, when picked up it easily breaks into pieces, and floats 

away. Each piece is capable of growing into a new plant. It has the ability to completely obstruct and fill a stream channel or lake in as few as 

3 to 5 years after introduction. It can survive frozen in ice, and spread 

downstream into other wetlands during ice flows and flood events. The 

sheer amount of vegetation that can occur in just a few years can cause 

major changes to the freshwater streams and lakes that many fish depend 

on. An infestation was discovered near Fairbanks, Alaska in 2009, and 

has spread into the Chena River. Waterweed fragments have the potential to spread downstream into the Tanana and Yukon drainages, and into 

lakes, streams and sloughs during flood events. Riverboats and floatplanes could also help waterweed move into new areas.

Amlleret waterweed-at yuinat tallimatun taktataluteng, 

cetaman itegneret tekiluki et’utaluteng nalkutaullruut 

yuuluteng Chena Slough-am iluani, Fairbanks-am 

nuniini.

Mats of dense waterweed hundreds of feet long and 4 

feet deep have formed in Chena Slough near Fairbanks, 

AK.

Trish Wurtz - USDA

46 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
Amy Larsen - NPS

WATERWEED – At - Elodea spp.

Waterweed-at naunraugut angllumalriit nalkumatulit carvanailngurni 

merni akmani, British Columbia-ami, Canada-mi-llu. Waterweedat-gguq piunriqeryukagaugut – teguaqameng ciqumerraarluteng 

pugtaluteng ayalartut. Ciqumat-gguq tamakut nauyugngaut allamun – 

nutaraurtellriatun. Makut-gguq ayagvigkaat tumyarairutevkaryuumait 

nanvami, carvami wall’u kuigmi pingayun yaavet talliman allrakut iluani, 

anerteqsugngaluni-llu cikum iluani, sagtaqluni-llu paingan taum mer’em 

tungiinun allanun-llu mernun cikut an’aqata cup’aqan-llu up’nerkami. 

Ugaani-gguq amlleritullrat qayuturraan allrakut iluatni navguriyugngaut 

carvanek nanvanek-llu neqet enuqellratnek. Nalkutellruut Fairbanks-am 

nuniini 2009-ami tamakut-llu ak’a Chena-mun sagtengellrulliniluteng. 

Makut kepenqurrit sagcugngaut paingagnun Tananam Kuigpiim-llu, 

nanvaanun, carvanun, kuikcuarnun-llu cup’aqan wall’ ulerpagaqan. 

Angyat tengssuutet-llu mermun mit’etulit ukisqiryugngait allanun 

nunanun ayallrat.

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 47

Paqnakitulriit-gguq elitut ke

at yuuyumalliniut cikumi qu

nalangqigcugngaluteng-llu nutaraurlluteng.

Researchers have found that waterweed fragments can 

survive being frozen in ice and can grow into new plants.

penkuit Waterweedmumallrunge’rmeng 
WHO CAN HELP

There are a large variety of organizations responsible for helping with 

invasive species education and control. Contacting one of the following 

organizations should be the first step if you find an invasive species.

The University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service 

Corlene Rose, Statewide IPM Program Manager 

Anchorage, AK

907.786.6316

ancr@uaa.alaska.edu

Alaska Association of Conservation Districts

Joan Hope, Invasive Plant Program Coordinator

Wasilla, AK

907.315.1795

joanaacd@yahoo.com

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources-Division of 

Agriculture

Brianne Blackburn, Invasive Weeds and Agricultural Pest Coordinator 

Palmer, AK

907.745.8785, 

Brianne.Blackburn@alaska.gov

State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game

Tammy Davis, Invasive Species Program Project Leader

Juneau, AK

877.468.2748

Tammy.Davis@alaska.gov

48 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
UKISQIUCUGNGALRIIT/IKAYUCUGNAALRIIT

Amllertut caliviit ayuqenrilnguut ikayaurkaulriit makut eniaritulit 

tungiitnun. Ukut-gguq iliit qanrutarkaqciqaten ciuqliuluku nalkuskuvet 

eniaritulimek.

The University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service 

Corlene Rose, Statewide IPM Program Manager 

Anchorage, AK

907.786.6316

ancr@uaa.alaska.edu

Alaska Association of Conservation Districts

Joan Hope, Invasive Plant Program Coordinator

Wasilla, AK

907.315.1795

joanaacd@yahoo.com

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources-Division of 

Agriculture

Brianne Blackburn, Invasive Weeds and Agricultural Pest Coordinator 

Palmer, AK

907.745.8785, 

Brianne.Blackburn@alaska.gov

State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game

Tammy Davis, Invasive Species Program Project Leader

Juneau, AK

877.468.2748

Tammy.Davis@alaska.gov

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 49
WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE?

A wide variety of resources are available on the internet. Some 

excellent places to start are the following websites: 

Alaska Invasive Species Working Group 

This website is maintained by the University of Alaska 

Cooperative Extension Service and is supported by federal, state 

and private organizations. This is a great place to start learning 

more about invasive species throughout Alaska.

http://www.uaf.edu/ces/aiswg/

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Invasive Species 

Program

Links to invasive species resources and management plans 

developed by the State of Alaska. 

www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/invasive/invasive.php

National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC)

A great reference for information on invasive species legislation 

at the national level, and includes state councils and organizations, 

economic impacts and more.

www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml

50 Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species
NANI-GGUQ ALLANEK ELICUGNGASIT?

Amllernek-gguq ayuqenrilngurnek-llu elitarkangqertuq internetami. Ilait-gguq assinqurrat waniwa:

Alaska Invasive Species Working Group – at

Una website-aq aulukuumauq University of Alaska Cooperative 

Extension Service-atgun akingetuluni-llu anguyagtenek, stateamtenek allat-llu caliviit cikiqengtulriit akinek cam tungiinun. 

Una-gguq ayagniqarraalriami elitnermek makunek eniaritulinek 

Alaska-m iluani assirtuq.

http://www/uaf.edu/ces/aiswg/

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Invasive Species 

Program

Link-at-gguq eniaritulit elicautekaitnek taqengnaqlerkaitnek-llu 

state-amta piliaqait.

www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/invasive/invasice.php

National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC)

Assilria ayagvigkaq eliculriani eniaritulit tungekluki alerqutet 

alerquistet piliarit government-amteni, cali ilangqerrluteng 

state-ami angayuqaruat calitulit-llu makunek eniaritulinek, 

tunertutaciatnek, allanek-llu.

www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml

Kellutellra Alaska-M Ungalaqlirnera Eniaritulinun Itrallerkaanek 51
If you think that you have found an 

invasive species you should report 

your finding! Be sure to have the 

following information ready:

Your Name:

Address:

Email:

Phone Number:

For Insect Specimens:

Where have the insects been 

discovered?

Number of insects observed?

How long have you noticed the 

insects?

Please include photos if available.

For Plant Specimens:

Where was this plant found?

Please include photos if available, 

especially high quality images of 

flowers or fruit from the plant.

For Animals:

Where was this animal found?

Please include photos if available.

QANRUTEKLUKI

ALLANEK ENIARITULIT!

 REPORT INVASIVE SPECIES!

1-877-468-2748

Nalkucukluteng allanek eniaritulimek 

qanrutekekiu nalkutan! Makut 

nallunricugciqait tuqlukuvki, 

upegnganiaten:

Atren:

Nantellren/Address-an:

Email-an:

Phone number-an:

Ciissiukan nalkutan:

Nani ciissiq nalkutaullrua?

Qayutnek ciissinek tangellruyit?

Qaillun taktataria ciissiit 

tangerqerallerpeki?

Tarenrangqerkuvet, ilakniaten.

Naunraukan nalkutan:

Nani naunraq nalkutaullrua?

Tarenrangqerkuvet tapeqniaraten, 

tarenrakegciluteng, mallgumaluki,

wall’u naucetaritnek,

neqautenqerqata-llu taukut ilakluki.

Ungungssiukan nalkutan:

Nani una ungungssiq nalkutaullrua?

Tarenrangqerkuvet, ilakniaten.

R10-PR-024

www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r10/fhp

From a TTY call 711 to be connected to (907) 743-9455.

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