Help Keep Wisconsin Safe From Invasive Species

The Wisconsin DNR asks the public to take simple precautions to avoid spreading invasive species in June.

Invasive species are nonnative plants, animals and diseases that cause environmental or economic harm, or pose threats to human health. There are many species that are already widespread in the state. Although others may pose a large risk of surviving and causing problems if they are introduced and become established here.

The state’s invasive species rule makes it unlawful to transport, transfer, introduce or possess certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. The regulations designate which species are Restricted or Prohibited based on factors including the degree of harm they may cause, the extent of their presence in the state, the potential for controlling the species and the socio-economic value a species may hold.

To prevent the establishment and spread, the DNR encourages reporting invasive species and offers the following tips.

Hiking And Camping:

• Stay on designated trails, roads and other developed areas to avoid tracking invasive species to new locations.
• Follow Wisconsin’s firewood rules to avoid moving harmful invasive pests and pathogens like the emerald ash borer, spongy moth and oak wilt disease.

Fishing And Boating:

• Clean all recreational equipment and gear after every use to protect Wisconsin’s waters from fish diseases and aquatic invasive species like quagga and zebra mussels, Eurasian water-milfoil, New Zealand mudsnails and freshwater golden clams.
• Inspect gear for dirt, mud, seeds and other debris, removing as much as possible before launching and before leaving the landing.
• Drain all water from gear and compartments before leaving the waterbody.
• Dry gear for at least five days between uses to help eliminate invasive organisms.
• Never move live fish away from any waterbody. Fish are considered dead if on ice and not in water.

Gardening And Leisure:

• Add beauty and variety to your yard with plants that are noninvasive. Native plants are excellent choices since they also benefit pollinators, birds and other wildlife. The DNR’s Plant Native Plants webpage is a great resource to get started.
• Learn how to identify and remove potential problem plants from your property, including Bishop’s goutweed, burning bush, creeping bellflower, Dame’s rocket, Amur honeysuckle, water hyacinth, water lettuce and European frog-bit.
• When using non-native crayfish for crayfish boils, use frozen (not live) crayfish or rusty crayfish harvested from Wisconsin waterbodies.

Volunteering And Teaching:

• Connect with Wisconsin Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), local or regional organizations in Wisconsin that bring together landowners and land managers to coordinate action and share expertise and resources to manage invasive species.
• Sign up for emails about local State Natural Area volunteer workdays to clear brush, remove invasive species and help maintain our state’s natural landscapes.
• Sign up for updates and information from the DNR about invasive species and Wisconsin’s regulations.
• Attend an event during the second annual Invasive Species Awareness Weekend – June 21 and 22.
  • Events such as guided hikes, educational workshops, invasive species workdays and more are taking place around the state! These events are free (some may require a vehicle admission pass) and open to the public. To find an event near you, check out the Invasive Species Events and Volunteering page.