Aquatic Invasive Information

Invasive species: are defined by the federal government as "…alien (or non-native) species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health". Most non-native species are not “invasive,” however in order to be considered invasive the species must meet both of the following criteria:

• It is nonnative to the region, and
• Its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Watch Out for these Aquatic Invasive Species in northern WI:

Please click on the links below for information on Terrestrial Invasive Species of concern in our region, or to email your AIS Monitoring Volunteer Hours to the AIS Coordinator.

• Report Volunteer Hours

• Common buckthorn
• Wild Parsnip
• Giant Hogweed
• Garlic Mustard
• Leafy Spurge

Laws

• NR40

What Can You Do?

• Educate yourself and others about AIS so you can identify them and detect them at early onset.
• Make sure you are familiar with native species in and around your lake and monitor regularly for any changes in species or abundance.
• If you think you have an invasive species, contact the AIS Coordinator immediately. Once an infestation has become abundant it is often costly and labor intensive to control and eradication is difficult if not impossible.
• Become an aquatic invasive species monitor for your lake or stream, free training is available through this department. For more information on the program visit http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwlakes/clmn/
• Make sure your boat landing is properly posted with education to raise awareness on aquatic invasive species and prevention.
• Become a boat landing monitor to educate lake users on best management practices and behavior for being a responsible boater. Free training is available through this department. For more information visit http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwlakes/CBCW/default.asp.

Please help prevent the spread of invasive species:

• INSPECT—boats, trailers and equipment and;
• REMOVE—plants, animals and mud;
• DRAIN—water from boat, motor, bilge, live wells and bait containers;
• DON’T MOVE—live fish away from a waterbody and;
• DISPOSE—of unwanted bait in the trash. Use leftover minnows only under certain circumstances (refer to DNR rules).

Laws:

• NR40

For more information on Aquatic Invasive Species:

• Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
• United States Forest Service
• Wisconsin DNR
• DNR AIS – What do I do?
• Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species
• Protect Your Waters