Date: 6/21/2022

To: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

From: Orin Sparks
Subject: Introduction of Invasive Species Signs

This memo aims to provide a set of instructions to plan for the implementation of invasive
species signs at all maintained sign postings in the affected areas. The goal of introducing these
signs is to provide the opportunity for the broader public to gain an understanding of the
problem as well as give instructions on what they can do to help. The sign needs to display
appropriate information so that anglers and others who read the sign know what they need to
do when they encounter the species.

Summary:
Waterways in the United States have been plagued with various invasive species such as the
Northern Snakehead. Attempts have been made to mitigate the spread of these species, but
these attempts have mostly only slowed the progression. The goal of the signs that are to be
implemented is to spread the information on these species to those who are most likely to be
able to help. The target audience that comes to mind is the local anglers, but the more eyes
that observe the information, the better. The hope is that, with the help of the community, we
will be able to prevent the further spread of these species.

Information that needs to be displayed on the signs:

When it comes to the information that needs to be displayed on the signs, it is important to
keep the information simple and clear. The use of images is vital to ensure there are few
misidentifications. For instance, regarding the Northern Snakehead it is vital that we provide
the distinction between it and the native Bowfin. Both fish look very similar, so it is not outside
the realm of possibilities that an angler attempting to do the right thing accidentally kills one of
the very fish we are aiming to protect.
Due to the nature of the purpose of these signs, in most cases it is going to be requested that
those who positively identify the species kill the specimen the capture. It is important to know
this and be sensitive to displaying graphic information in locations that may be used by families.
In these circumstances it would be better to simply request that the individual contact the local
authorities. The Ideal community member to utilize the information is the experienced angler.
Experienced anglers will already have experience in identifying species and would also most
likely be aware of the most humane way to dispatch the captured specimen.
Where to place the signs:
The placement of the signs is important because there is no point in allocating the resources for
this project if it isn’t given the maximum potential to succeed. If the sign is to be placed near a
waterway access or boat ramp, it should be placed 6 feet from the ground. If the sign is in a
more secluded location such as a stream deep within the mountains; the sign should be placed
within the range eye height to an angler that would be wading in the stream.
Many of the locations where the signs would be located are within cover from sunlight.
Additionally, many anglers choose to fish at times where the sun is low. For this reason, it is
also important to provide a level of reflection to the signs. Maximum visibility is a priority to
this project. The projects potential to affect the aesthetic of the landscape is an important issue
to keep in mind. We want to optimize the success without affecting the preexisting
environment.

Conclusion:
If the broader plan of this memo is carried out, I am hopeful that we will be at least successful
at the further suppression of the various invasive species. I have laid out a general plan in this
memo, but it is up to you to implement the plan in a way that is both economic and labor
optimum. The attempts in the past to mitigate these invasive species have made it clear that
something more needs to be done. The state has been ignoring an asset in this fight. Many of
the public would gladly do what they can to preserve the natural wildlife that they so enjoy.

Sources
https://www.ncwildlife.org/
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/