The term Invasive Species refers to any non-native species that is introduced to an area where they cause or are likely to cause significant damage to the environment or other existing species.
Many invasive species are introduced to these areas accidentally and can have significant impacts if not controlled in a timely manner. Raising awareness is key in preventing the spread of these pests. Learn more about the invasive species that are currently in our area, and how you can do your part to prevent the spread.
Unfortunately, the City’s tree canopy is under threat from an insect called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This tiny pest has killed millions of ash trees across North America since 2002. It was first detected in Fredericton in February 2021.
City staff have been monitoring the situation since 2008. Following the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer in Edmundston, NB in 2018, Fredericton City Council has asked staff to create a plan to minimize the impact. See the plan outline below. Property owners have a role to play, as well. They can monitor ash trees on their own properties and follow the management plan as outlined.
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Credit: Marianne Prue, Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry, Bugwood.org
Management Plan
Detect - The Emerald Ash Borer was found in Fredericton in February 2021. was found in Edmundston, NB and Bedford, NS in 2018. It was discovered in Oromocto, NB and Moncton, NB in 2019. City staff will continue to work with provincial, federal, and private sector representatives to detect the insect’s presence in the City of Fredericton.
Treat - Select significant City trees will be identified for treatment. This is not a long-term solution, however, and it is not available for all ash trees on City property due to the expensive nature of the treatment. Homeowners may choose to treat their ash trees.
Remove - Removal of ash trees will be necessary to control the rate of spread of the insect and minimize the risk to public safety. It is recognized that neighbourhoods with a large ash proportion will be impacted greatly.
Replant - The City’s Plan calls for different tree species to be replanted once an ash tree has been removed. Staggered removal and replanting of trees, over several years, will result in the least impact on the City’s tree canopy and create a more disease resistant urban forest.
Zebra Mussels are small, invasive freshwater mussels. They have recently been found in the Madawaska River, a tributary to the Wolastoq (Saint John River). Zebra Mussels are spread widely due to human activities. They pose both ecological and economical threats.
Zebra Mussels have significant impacts on freshwater ecosystems as well as infrastructure and recreational activities that are dependent on these bodies of water. They:
Outcompete native species
Change plant composition
Form incredibly dense colonies, which can clog intake pipes leading to costly management
Colonize on watercraft, fishing gear, and beaches
Can increase algal or cyanobacteria blooms
How to Identify a Zebra Mussel:
Size: Small – average size of 2 – 2.5 cm.
Shell: Triangular shape with rounded bottom.
Color: Zig-zag pattern either brown or white.
Attachment: Byssal threads that extend from underneath their shells.
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Image Credit: Amy Benson
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Image credit: Dave Britton
How Can You Help Stop the Spread?
Clean Drain Dry Inspect
Clean: any mussels and plant material from your water equipment after every use.
Drain: water from all internal compartments, ballast tanks, live wells, bilges, bait buckets, and motor on land and at least 30m away from water.
Dry: any remaining water.
Inspect: before placing your equipment back into the water.
How to Report Zebra Mussels:
If you think you have found a Zebra Mussel, you can report a sighting by following the link below:
The New-Brunswick Invasive Species Council is a non-profit organization committed to spreading awareness and tackling invasive species across New Brunswick.
