About

Invasive species are the single greatest threat to the integrity of the state’s natural resources, posing a threat to all natural communities on land and in the water.  They reduce the biodiversity that is necessary to sustain natural communities. Educating the public, eradicating invasive species, and controlling their spread takes enormous amounts of human and financial resources.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the following priorities for controlling and managing invasive species: identify (inventory) the extent of harmful non-native species across Wisconsin; eliminate invasive species where they can be eliminated; control the spread of invasive species until they can be eliminated; educate the public and policy-makers as effectively as possible about risks and control measures.

The species most in need of control are:

• Insects: emerald ash borer, gypsy moth
• Plants (terrestrial): buckthorn, locust, purple loosestrife, phragmites, reed canary grass, parsnip, honeysuckle,  spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, garlic mustard
• Aquatics: Eurasian water milfoil, round goby, rusty crayfish, zebra mussel

During 2007 & 2008, NRF will raise funds for the following projects and programs that have been identified as priority needs by the Wisconsin DNR:

Video footage for web and TV broadcast

This would form the core of a media campaign.  Brief footage (3-5 minutes) will show key invasive species and steps people can take to prevent their spread.  To be streamed on the Internet and used for Public Service Announcements.

Poster on aquatic invasive species

This poster will be inserted into 105,000 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazines and available as stand-alone copies to help identify aquatic invasive species and inform people who they should contact if they see an infestation.  This will also be posted on the DNR website.

Aquatic invasive species monitoring training kits

The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network will train 40-50 trainers who will, in turn, train 150 volunteers to monitor for aquatic invasive species.  The kits will be used for this monitoring.

Early detection and rapid response program for new infestations

Volunteer “weed watchers” submit reports on infestations they find. The program needs coordination, educational materials, supplies, and labor for monitoring and control work.

Garlic mustard bio-control coordination

Biological control of garlic mustard is being developed, to be available in 2008.  Long-term bio-control monitoring sites are being developed in 07 & 08, and a ½ time program coordinator will be hired in 2009.

Campaign to control invasive species in Wisconsin’s state parks

NRF is working with Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to develop a campaign that will raise public awareness, recruit volunteers, and secure financial support to eradicate invasive species from state parks, forests, and trails.