Version User Scope of changes
Mar 30 2008, 10:44 PM EDT (current) jgardner422 1 word added
Mar 29 2008, 1:03 PM EDT EmilyFitz 15 words added, 2 words deleted

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THE ISSUE
Invasive species are plants or animals that affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically and have also shown to affect human health in a variety of ways. These non-native plants, animals and pathogens displace native species, which disrupt ecosystems, and harm recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. They also damage commercial, agricultural, and aqua cultural resources. Many times invasive species appear to have specific traits that allow them to out compete native species for resources such as nutrients, light, physical space, water or food. More often these traits consists of the species ability to grow and reproduce more rapidly than the native species. Many times they lack the predators and competitors they faced in their homelands which is why invasive species can spread rapidly and aggressively. The majority of invasive species come from human modification of the environment. Controlling invasive species is difficult, and getting rid of them is often impossible

BRIEF HISTORY
The good news is that many places in Wisconsin don’t have the most common and troublesome invasive species that are seen within the United States.

HERE IN WISCONSIN
The most commonly known invasive specie in Wisconsin is the zebra mussel which has taken over many lakes in Wisconsin and most noticeable Lake Michigan. However only a small fraction of our 15,000 lakes have zebra mussels. The zebra mussel has increased its habitat complexity by residing on lake floors. The zebra mussel has been able to feed off the nutrition in the lake which has led to increases the density and diversity of the zebra mussel.
Some species that Wisconsin is looking out for this summer:

  • Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant that was confirmed for the first time in Wisconsin in summer 2007.It was found in a private artificial pond.
  • VHS is a fish disease that can kill a broad range of Wisconsin’s native fish. It has recently been found in Lake Michigan and the Winnebago system.
  • Spiny Water Fleas are an invasive species of zoo plankton that can disrupt ecosystems and harm native fish populations. They have recently been found in a second inland lake in Wisconsin.
  • Emerald Ash Borer is a forest beetle that is not yet in Wisconsin, but has already killed 20 million ash trees in the Midwest..

WHAT CAN YOU DO
There are many different volunteer opportunities that communities offer so that the average citizen can help to control invasive animals and help in the fight to keep Wisconsin’s lakes, forests, prairies, and wetlands free of invasive species.
Here are some simple steps that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has cited can help:

Boat owners:
  • Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.
  • Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
  • Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land. Never move live fish, including minnows, from one water to another.
  • Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, OR let it dry for 5 days

Landowners and gardeners:

  • Use native plant species whenever possible.
  • Dispose of seeds in the trash.

Links
For additional information on invasive species
National Invasive Species Information Center