Wetland Invasive Plants Key and Field Guide

An excellent book is now out on invasive plants of aquatic and wetland habitats of Michigan. The 58-page book can be viewed here. The book includes a pictorial key for identification and species accounts with several photos for each species including the plant in the landscape, flower and other defining characteristics. The field guidebook includes a chart of invasive species by communities and a timeline of the best survey period.

Many of these plants are found in Wisconsin, or may be headed this way, and this book can help guide us in identifying invasive plants for early detection. This guide is a great resource for land managers and educators. Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Michigan Natural Features Inventory and Michigan State University Extension for producing this field guide. To order the book see their website.

Wisconsin's New Invasives Rule

Gene Lemmenes, Charly Ray and Gene Brevold cut and treat Japanese Knotweed in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Invasive species classification administrative rule (NR 40) went into effect on September 1, 2009.

This rule is important for Wisconsin because invasive plants and animals displace native species, disrupt ecosystems, and harm recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. They also damage commercial, agricultural, and aquacultural resources.

Because invasive species lack the predators and competitors they faced in their homelands, invasive species can spread rapidly and aggressively. Controlling invasive species is difficult, and getting rid of them is often impossible. People play a major role in spreading invasive species, and can also help keep them from spreading.

Some of the prohibited or restricted species found in northern Wisconsin include: Japanese Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Spotted Knapweed, Leafy Spurge, Japanese Knotweed, Common and Glossy Buckthorn, non-native fish, zebra mussels, emerald ash borer and European gypsy moth.

The rule also requires several preventative measures to limit spread of invasive species, and includes permit and enforcement provisions. More information about the rule is online the Department of Natural Resources website.

In the Lake Superior Basin, we are lucky to have the Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area, a group of agency and nonprofit partners that meet regularly to coordinate work across the basin. CWMA members lead work parties to train volunteers in invasive control work, they coordinate regional strategies and initiatives for managing invasives and provide information to the community on actions we can take to prevent or control the spread of invasive species.