Invasive Species
What are they?
Invasive species are plants or animals, either indigenous to this
region (native) or from other regions (non-native or exotic), that
have the ability to dominate or alter an ecosystem. Most exotic
species originally arrived in ballast water or were intentionally
or accidentally released from aquariums. Invasive species often
are spread by remaining on boat trailers, props, fishing gear or
in bait bucket, cooling and live well water.
Why are they harmful?
- Prevention of boating/fishing: Many
invasive plants grow rapidly in our lakes. The dense mats
of vegetation they form can restrict or entirely prevent
boating and fishing and may make the waterway entirely
impassable.
- Loss of native plants and animals: Non-native
plants often do not provide ideal habitat or food for fish
and other aquatic animals. These
plants crowd out native vegetation, and the animals that
depend on native vegetation must relocate or perish.
- Loss of biodiversity: The spread of
invasive species often reduces the biological diversity
of the area and can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
- Loss of property value: The aesthetic
appeal, recreational value and surrounding property values
of a lake may quickly decline as the invasive species takes
over.
- Expensive: Once exotic plants are established,
they are almost impossible to eradicate and expensive to
control. The United States has invested millions of dollars
annually to manage these plants and repair the damage.
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How can you prevent their spread?
- Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and remove visible
aquatic plants, animals, and mud before leaving the water access.
- Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait
containers before leaving water access.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Spray/rinse boats and recreational equipment with high pressure
and/or hot tap water (> 104º F), especially if moored
for more than a day, OR
- Dry boats and equipment for at least 5 days.
Wisconsin statutes prohibit launching a boat,
boat trailer, or boating equipment if there are any aquatic plants
or zebra mussels attached.
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| Eurasian Milfoil |
Purple Loosestrife |
Zebra Mussel |
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| Round Goby |
Rusty Crayfish |
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