Wisconsin faces a number of invasive species from other regions and countries. These non-native plants and animals displace native species, disrupt ecosystems and harm recreational activities such as fishing, boating and hiking. They also damage commercial, agricultural and aqua-cultural resources.
Because they 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 often is impossible. People play a major role in spreading invasive species, but also can help keep them from spreading. We can save our favorite places if we all do our part! The sheer number of invasive species is overwhelming - for a complete list, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site.
In Wisconsin lakes, rivers and ponds, here are the rules that apply to all boaters and anglers to help stop the spread of invasive species and the deadly VHS fish disease. According to the DNR, you must drain all water from boats, containers and fishing equipment when leaving any state waters, banks or shores or entering Wisconsin over land. You may not transport any live fish or live fish eggs away from any state waters. There is an exception for minnows obtained from a Wisconsin bait dealer. You may not use dead fish, fish eggs or fish parts as bait. You may not possess or use minnows for bait that are obtained outside of Wisconsin with a few exceptions - see the Web site.
Gypsy moth spraying has stared all over Wisconsin. Spraying typically begins in the early morning when weather conditions generally are most favorable, but it can happen at any time of the day if the wind is light and there's no rain in the immediate forecast. Because spray schedules are flexible, the DNR offers ways for residents in treatment areas to stay notified of plans: Call the toll-free information line at 1-800-642-MOTH (6684). Menu option No. 1 is updated daily during the spray season. You can help: As soon as possible in spring, people should search for the tan-colored egg masses and destroy any within reach by scraping the egg masses into a can and drown them in soapy water for at least two days to kill the eggs - do not stamp them into the ground, many eggs will survive.
Emerald ash borer, a recent invasive confirmed to be present in Wisconsin, threatens to severely impact our estimated 727,000,000 forest ash trees and the ash trees that line our city streets. Firewood can harbor many different kinds of invasive pests and diseases that are harmful to Wisconsin's trees in both forest and urban settings. Gypsy moth, oak wilt, and emerald ash borer hitchhike on firewood, to name just a few, are making their way easily into previously unaffected, healthy areas. This poses a serious threat to trees throughout the state. Although it is still legal to move firewood in certain areas, it is almost always a bad idea to do so. Moving firewood can put the trees at your destination at risk. Please observe the "burn it where you buy it" rule all over Wisconsin.
For additional information, contact my office at 888-549-0027 or 608-266-6670 or e-mail sen.erpenbach@legis.wi.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
Because they 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 often is impossible. People play a major role in spreading invasive species, but also can help keep them from spreading. We can save our favorite places if we all do our part! The sheer number of invasive species is overwhelming - for a complete list, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site.
In Wisconsin lakes, rivers and ponds, here are the rules that apply to all boaters and anglers to help stop the spread of invasive species and the deadly VHS fish disease. According to the DNR, you must drain all water from boats, containers and fishing equipment when leaving any state waters, banks or shores or entering Wisconsin over land. You may not transport any live fish or live fish eggs away from any state waters. There is an exception for minnows obtained from a Wisconsin bait dealer. You may not use dead fish, fish eggs or fish parts as bait. You may not possess or use minnows for bait that are obtained outside of Wisconsin with a few exceptions - see the Web site.
Gypsy moth spraying has stared all over Wisconsin. Spraying typically begins in the early morning when weather conditions generally are most favorable, but it can happen at any time of the day if the wind is light and there's no rain in the immediate forecast. Because spray schedules are flexible, the DNR offers ways for residents in treatment areas to stay notified of plans: Call the toll-free information line at 1-800-642-MOTH (6684). Menu option No. 1 is updated daily during the spray season. You can help: As soon as possible in spring, people should search for the tan-colored egg masses and destroy any within reach by scraping the egg masses into a can and drown them in soapy water for at least two days to kill the eggs - do not stamp them into the ground, many eggs will survive.
Emerald ash borer, a recent invasive confirmed to be present in Wisconsin, threatens to severely impact our estimated 727,000,000 forest ash trees and the ash trees that line our city streets. Firewood can harbor many different kinds of invasive pests and diseases that are harmful to Wisconsin's trees in both forest and urban settings. Gypsy moth, oak wilt, and emerald ash borer hitchhike on firewood, to name just a few, are making their way easily into previously unaffected, healthy areas. This poses a serious threat to trees throughout the state. Although it is still legal to move firewood in certain areas, it is almost always a bad idea to do so. Moving firewood can put the trees at your destination at risk. Please observe the "burn it where you buy it" rule all over Wisconsin.
For additional information, contact my office at 888-549-0027 or 608-266-6670 or e-mail sen.erpenbach@legis.wi.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
