Northern pike (Esox lucius) are an invasive species in Southcentral Alaska and are steadily devastating salmonid populations through juvenile salmon predation in the lakes and streams they invade. Northern pike were illegally introduced to Southcentral Alaska by private landowners beginning in the 1950s, and have spread to connected lakes and streams. Now present throughout much of the Susitna Basin, northern pike are apex predators that preferentially prey on juvenile salmonids and are implicated in salmon population decline throughout the TTCD area. For many waterbodies in Southcentral Alaska, the coexistence of salmonids and pike is highly unlikely; without management intervention, salmon populations will steadily decline from northern pike-infested waters.
Recent research involving northern pike otolith microchemistry has revealed that pike are traveling through marine Cook Inlet waters to invade novel freshwater drainages, substantiating previous reports by commercial fishermen that pike are appearing in in their setnets. Ongoing surveys for early detection of northern pike in West Cook Inlet waters are critical to facilitate rapid response measures, such as suppression and eradication (as feasible), to prevent secondary pike invasions and protect key salmon populations and habitat.
TTCD’s Northern Pike Program focuses on prevention, early detection, suppression, and eradication whenever possible. TTCD is a member of the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership, who have developed a plan to collaboratively manage the spread of this invasive species.
The 2022 – 2030 Current Management Plan helps guide TTCD’s response to invasive Northern Pike in our District.
Elodea is Alaska’s first invasive submersed freshwater aquatic plant and has been found in several areas of the state, including Cordova, Fairbanks, Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley. Establishment of this invasive species can have broad ecological and economic consequences, especially where Alaska’s salmon resources are concerned. Elodea can reproduce from a single plant fragment, allowing it to disperse quickly when it becomes entangled in floatplane rudders, boat propellers, and trailers. Elodea was discovered in the TTCD area in 2014 in Alexander Lake and then in nearby Sucker Lake in 2016.
In 2018, TTCD formed a multi-stakeholder task force to work collaboratively to contain and eradicate Elodea from the TTCD area. The Mat-Su Elodea Task Force (Task Force; originally the Alexander Creek Drainage Elodea Task Force) consists of TTCD, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, the Mat-Su Salmon Habitat Partnership, Mat-Su Borough, SePRO Corporation, the Alaska Civil Air Patrol, and numerous lake residents. TTCD has continued to coordinate the task force to support the Alexander and Sucker Lakes eradication project. Recently, the Task Force has expanded its geographic scope to include all the Mat-Su Borough and continues to provide outreach, survey support, and planning for eradication efforts.
Learn more about Elodea in Alaska from our partners at the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
TTCD works to control harmful and invasive weeds in the District. Noxious weeds can be harmful to agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property, affecting critical habitats for migratory birds, native pollinators, and other wildlife. Preventing the spread of invasive plants is vital to preserving Alaska’s unique ecosystems.
Invasive plants in the District include:
In 2016, TTCD began chemical and mechanical treatment of terrestrial invasive plant infestations along the western side of the District road system. Since beginning treatment, the size and density of infestations have decreased, and additional infestations have been treated with the goal of full eradication when discovered. Ongoing survey efforts ensure early detection and rapid response to prevent the spread of invasive terrestrial plants.
TTCD submits invasive plant data to the AKEPIC database, maintained by the UAA Alaska Center for Conservation Science.
