Invasive Species
Making Themselves At Home in Wisconsin's Lakes and Landscapes

Non-native plants, animals and diseases are taking a toll on Wisconsin lakes, rivers, landscapes, as well as our recreation and economy. A new invasive species rule, Chapter NR 40, took effect September 1, 2009, that aims to keep new invaders from getting to Wisconsin in the first place, and allows the DNR to move more rapidly to contain new invasives to prevent them from getting established when they're detected.

Take a look at our Strategic Plan to Manage Invasives in the Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine's April 2010 issue.

A video about a new state law to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species is part of conservation wardens' focus on the topic over the July 4th holiday. [VIDEO Length 1:06].

Watch Other Invasive Videos

New Invasive Plant Publications by the Wisconsin DNR

A Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Plants in Wisconsin
This field guide has been developed to provide ID and control information for terrestrial invasive plants. Printed copies are now available to order using this order form, or feel free to download and print off now; just click on the image.

Common Terrestrial Invasive Plants in Wisconsin
This is a quick picture reference for the 32 most common terrestrial invasive species in Wisconsin. Print it off and hand it out at your next work party or informational meeting. Click on the image to get started!

Plant Species Regulated by the Invasive Species Rule (NR 40)
Two new picture references for the regulated terrestrial species and for the regulated aquatic species.

The Newest Invader: Red Swamp Crayfish

Red swamp crayfish, an aggressive, southern crayfish that can decrease native populations of fish, frogs and crayfish, has been found in Wisconsin for the first time in a Washington County pond.

Fact Sheet: Important information about the Nov. 12 treatment for red swamp crayfish [PDF 303KB]
Fact Sheet: Red swamp crayfish [PDF 1.09MB]
Press release: Officials ask citizens to be on the lookout for invasive crayfish
Press release: New invasive crayfish found in Wisconsin

People who think they have seen or caught the red swamp crayfish in southeastern Wisconsin can contact Heidi Bunk, (262) 574-2130. Elsewhere in the state, people can contact Laura Herman with the University of Wisconsin-Extension (715) 365-8998 or call the DNR hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR.

How You Can Help

Take these Simple Steps

Whether your passion is boating or bicycling, fishing or flowers, there are some simple steps you can take to keep from spreading unwanted species around.

Learn about the Different Species

Last Revised: Friday August 06 2010

Invasive Species Making Themselves At Home in Wisconsin's Lakes and Landscapes