Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Wisconsin DNR says anyone can take simple precautions to avoid spreading invasive plants and animals in the woods, water, and land.
Invasive species are nonnative plants, animals and diseases that can wreak havoc in the environment and even the economy, according to the DNR. Some are already in Wisconsin. Others pose a large risk of surviving and causing problems if introduced to the state.
Wisconsin’s invasive species rule makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in the state without a permit. The regulations designate which species are restricted or prohibited based on factors including the degree of harm they may cause.
The DNR offers the following tips:
- Hikers and campers should clean mud and dirt off their shoes and remove seeds and burs from their clothing before visiting other places.
- Firewood is a significant pathway for the movement of many invasive insects and pathogens. Examples include emerald ash borer, spongy moth and oak wilt disease. Use local firewood to avoid moving pests to new places.
- Anglers and boaters can help protect vulnerable areas from aquatic invasives by cleaning recreational equipment and gear after every use. Examples of aquatic invasives include quagga and zebra mussels, Eurasian water-milfoil, New Zealand mudsnails and Asian clams
- Drain all water from gear before leaving a site. Wash it with 140-degree water or steam to remove invasives too small to see. Drying gear for five or more days between use also helps destroy invasive organisms.
- Gardeners are encouraged to plant and promote native plants that can benefit pollinators, birds and other wildlife: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/nativeplants.html
- Gardeners can also look for and remove potential problem plants. These include purple loosestrife, hairy willow herb, butterfly dock, yellow iris, nonnative phragmites (common reed), lesser celandine, water hyacinth, water lettuce and frogbit.
- Report invasive species: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/report.html
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