|
|
|
Invasive species
impact on lakes
|
This lake has thick mats of
Eurasian watermilfoil. |
|
Purple loosestrife creeps
to the water's edge. |
|
A rusty crayfish. |
Aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian water milfoil,
zebra mussels and rusty crayfish have major negative impacts on the waters
of Wisconsin. Invasive species can be exotic (from distant geographic areas/ecosystems)
or native. Exotic species become invasive because (among other reasons)
they lack the natural checks and balances with which they evolved in their
homelands. Ecological impacts
Invasive species have the ability to change aquatic systems
and the plants and animals that live in them. Plants like Eurasian water-milfoil
form dense mats that shade out the native plan species. Zebra mussels
encrust the shells of our native mussels, making it difficult for them
to survive. These invasive mussels also consume the tiny plants and animals
that young fish rely on for food.
Economic impacts
The costs to control invasives are extremely high. Individual
lakes may spend tens of thousands of dollars per year to simply manage
(not eradicate) invasive plant populations. Power plants and industries
spend millions of dollars combating the zebra mussels that clog their
water intakes. The Great Lakes support a more than $4 billion fishing
industry that is also threatened by current and future invasives.
Recreational impacts
|
Zebra mussel shells cover
this beach. |
Invasive species have the ability to harm native sport
fish populations - the decimation of lake trout populations by sea lamprey
is a good example. Invasive plants often form dense mats that make boating,
fishing, and swimming difficult. Zebra mussels encrust piers, lift stations,
and boats, sometimes leading to costly repairs. Their sharp shells also
cut the feet of unsuspecting swimmers. How many
invasive species are in Wisconsin?
No one knows exactly how many invasive species are in
Wisconsin. Often invasive species exist "under the radar" for
a long time, often avoiding detection until they exist in high enough
numbers to be noticed. There are many such invasive species that haven't
been "discovered" yet. Many other species have the potential
to become serious invaders in the future.
How do invasive species get into our lakes?
|
Transporting weeds and invasives
from lakes to lakes |
Aquatic invasive species often hitch rides to new
water bodies on the boats, trailers, and equipment that we transport from
place to place. Anglers may also inadvertently transport them in bait
buckets and live wells. Other things that move between waters, including
waterfowl and sea planes, also have the ability to carry "hitchhikers".
Once introduced, some species can even be able to move without our help
- fish can swim into adjoining waters, and plant seeds and fragments may
move with the current to new locations.
Many lakefront property owners have been trained through
the Clean Boats Clean Waters program to educate boaters about invasives,
perform boat and trailer checks for invasive species, distribute informational
brochures and collect and report any new water body infestations.
Learn more about the Clean
Boats, Clean Waters program
Learn more about other Citizen-based
monitoring efforts
| Additional Resources |
 |
Aquatic
Invasive Species: A Guide for Proactive and Reactive Management
(2006) (PDF 2.67 MB) |
 |
Aquatic
Invasive Species: A Handbook for Education Efforts
(Exits site)
A compilation of information on statewide
programs, resources, contacts, case studies, and action strategies,
including some suggested approaches for designing successful local
education efforts. A resource CD filled with articles, fact sheets,
presentations, and more accompanies the handbook.
|
| 
|
Through
the Looking Glass
An illustrated field guide to aquatic plants that
also notes each plant’s importance in the environment, and
if the plant is a native or exotic species.
Order
online |
| |
Lakescaping
for Wildlife and Water Quality
This beautiful, comprehensive book describes lake
ecology and the importance of natural shorelines. It also explains
how to restore natural shorelines for erosion control and wildlife
habitat using native plants— and includes native plant lists
with many color photos!
Order
online |
| Wisconsin
Native Plant Sources and Restoration Consultants (PDF
2.44 MB)
Wisconsin
Council on Invasive Species (Exits this
site)
Invasive
Plants of the Future (Exits this site) |
|
|
|
|
