Nonnative and invasive species can alter ecological relationships among native species and can affect ecosystem
function, economic value of ecosystems, and human health. Successful pest management effectively controls the infestation
and spread of nonnative and invasive animal and plant species.
Please visit the links below to find out more about nonnative and invasive pests
Insects Information from the Wisonsin Department of Natural Resources ***Help Insect ID tool***
Forest Health Information from the Wisonsin Department of Natural Resources
Invasive Plants Information from the Wisonsin Department of Natural Resources
Wisconsin's Invasive Species Identification, Classification and Control Rule, Chapter NR 40, Wis. Adm. Code was created. The rule helps citizens learn to identify and minimize the spread of plants, animals and diseases that can invade our lands and waters and cause significant damage. The Chapter NR 40 rule creates a comprehensive, science-based system with criteria to classify invasive species into two categories: "Prohibited" and "Restricted." With certain exceptions, the transport, possession, transfer and introduction of Prohibited species is banned. Restricted species are also subject to a ban on transport, transfer and introduction, but possession is allowed, with the exception of fish and crayfish.
Slow the Spread by Boat and Tread! Poster Contest for 4th and 5th Grades
June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This year, 4th and 5th grade students have the opportunity to receive statewide recognition of their art skills and their passion for learning about invasive species. The Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin, is conducting a Poster Contest, and is challenging children to create full color or black and white, original posters of invasive species.
The goal of the Poster Contest is to increase awareness of shoreline and wetland invasive species and to teach people how to prevent the spread of invasive species in these habitats. People enjoy wetlands by canoe, while hunting, by walking from trails to shorelines, and much more. With these enjoyments comes a responsibility to protect our natural areas from invasive species. The contest includes both invasive plants and animals! Entries must be postmarked by April 2, 2012. Visit the contest’s webpage www.dnr.wi.gov/eek/teacher/isamcontest.htm and use the Teacher’s Toolkit to get started.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC) is a broad-based coalition that promotes efficient and effective management of invasive species throughout an eight-county region.
SEWISC Brochure (pdf)
Invasive Plants in Southeastern WI (pdf)
Invasive Plant Bounty Reward Program (pdf)
Invasive Species Resource Websites:
Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin
http://www.ipaw.org
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
http://mipn.org
Wisconsin State Herbarium
http://www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/index.htm
The University of Wisconsin's Weeds Information website http://weedid.wisc.edu/index.php provides useful information to the public that is specific to weedy plants of the midwest, specifically Wisconsin. You can use known traits to search for and identify 280 of the most common weeds of Wisconsin.
WEED SCIENCE A You Tube video series that provides key characteristics for the identification of invasive plants listed in Wisconsin's invasive species administrative rule NR 40. http://fyi.uwex.edu/weedsci/
The Great Lakes Early Detection Network is a collaboration among multiple stakeholders working to rapidly respond to new invasive species sightings in the Great Lakes states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York). To accomplish this, they have developed a web-based alert system that emails users when new sightings for species or areas of interest are reported and verified. Users are also able to Report a Sighting and as new sightings are reported, a network of professionals are available to verify new sightings and natural resource managers will be notified to take appropriate management actions.
The Nature Conservancy
http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
USDA Plants Database
http://plants.usda.gov
Center for Invasive Plant Management
http://www.weedcenter.org