DNR urges responsible behavior during Invasive Species Action Month in June

The Wisconsin DNR is urging the public to help stop the spread of invasive species as part of Invasive Species Action Month this June.

Invasive species, which include non-native plants, animals and diseases, pose significant threats to the state’s environment, economy and human health. State regulations make it illegal to transport, transfer, introduce or possess certain restricted or prohibited invasive species without a permit.

To prevent the establishment of these threats, the DNR has issued guidelines for common summer activities.

When hiking and camping, individuals are advised to stay on designated trails and carefully inspect their clothing, shoe treads and pets for dirt, mud and seeds. Removing this debris when entering and exiting natural areas is crucial, as is following Wisconsin’s firewood rules to avoid transporting harmful pests and pathogens like the emerald ash borer, spongy moths and oak wilt disease.

For those fishing and boating, the agency emphasizes cleaning all recreational gear after every use to protect state waters from aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails and freshwater golden clams.

Boaters should scrub and rinse gear before launching and leaving boat landings, drain all water from compartments and dry equipment for at least five days between uses. The DNR also reminds anglers to never move live fish away from any waterbody, noting that fish are only considered dead if they are on ice and out of the water.

Homeowners can contribute through responsible gardening and leisure practices by planting native, non-invasive species that benefit local pollinators and wildlife. The DNR encourages residents to identify and remove problem plants from their properties, including Bishop’s goutweed, burning bush, creeping bellflower, Dame’s rocket, Amur honeysuckle, water hyacinth and water lettuce.

Additionally, those hosting summer crayfish boils should use frozen crayfish or rusty crayfish harvested directly from Wisconsin waters rather than live, non-native species.

The public can also connect with local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, sign up for State Natural Area brush-clearing workdays or attend the statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day to help monitor and protect local rivers, lakes and wetlands.
More information can be found online at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/invasives.