Today many invasive species are impacting ecosystems throughout the United States. Most invasive species are accidentally introduced to an area, but now we need to deliberately stop them. These invasive species cause countless problems for the ecosystems they invade. The alien species cause competition for resources such as food, sunlight, and places for shelter. They frequently cause predation and eventually extinction of the ecosystem's native species. Consequently, the extinction of the native species leads to a loss of biological diversity. Some examples of invasive species are zebra mussels, sea lamprey, kudzu, prickly pear, purple loosestrife, etc. Each species negatively impacts an ecosystem in a different way. These alien species cost millions of dollars to contain and destroy. Kudzu grows at a rapid pace. It brakes many tree branches and its thick growth crushes plants and small trees. This invasive species alone costs the United States $500 million each year. The zebra mussels are in numerous lakes around the United States and cause boat, factory, and water treatment plant owners immense problems when they clog their motors, pipes, and filters. We need to put a stop to these invasive species. We need to prevent the loss of biological diversity in our ecosystems and save our native species.

By signing this petition you pledge to help stop the spread of invasive species. Some ways to do this include spreading awareness of invasive species to others, reporting any sightings of invasive species unknown to that area, staying informed about discoveries of new invasive species, and following instructions regarding the prevention of invasive species (such as cleaning your boat before moving it to a different lake).

With your help we can prevent the loss of biodiversity in our ecosystems and help save our native species!