Invasive species.

Statesmen Journal article review.

1.) With thousands of species gaining footholds in areas where they can cause the most damage, Oregon officials have the chance to be heroes and save the Beaver State.
2.) some calls are false alarms. A recent call about a mitten crab was a case of misidentification.
3.) European settlers brought plants and animals that reminded them of their home of that could be used for food or medicine. Other European critters caught a ride on an American-bound ship.
4.) The internet allows people to order exotic species by mail--with little oversight. The elegant mute swans sometimes purchased online as enhancements for private lakes.
5.) Native grasses tend to bunch and grow with spaces between them. But cheat grass blankets the ground, fueling more intense, severe fires.

These are the Five things that I found interesting in this article.