Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species

Invasive species threaten Wisconsin's ecosystems, economic, and outdoor recreation by out-competing and destroying native plants and animals and by disrupting complex habitat systems. Millions of dollars, both public and private, are spent each year for the control of invasive plant and animal species in Wisconsin's waters, wild lands, forests and agricultural lands.

In 2002, the Legislature established the Council on Invasive Species and authorized the Department of Natural Resources to develop administrative rules to combat Wisconsin's invasive species. Wisconsin Association of Lakes Executive Director Peter Murray was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Council.

The Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Team and Invasive Species Council is developing recommendations for an invasive species classification system. Council recommendations will include:

• criteria for each classification
• allowed activities associated with each classification
• criteria for determining state priorities for control
• criteria for determining the types of actions to be taken under each classification

The Department of Natural Resources will establish a statewide program to control invasive species, and then promulgate Administrative Rules (timeline 2007-2008) to classify invasive species for the purposes of the program.

Invasive Species Council Accomplishments to date

• Cost-sharing grant program established for aquatic invasive species
• Invasive Species Awareness Month, June 2005
• Draft of classification recommendations to be presented to Council
• Involvement of more than 31 experts and stakeholders active on committees
• Funding of a position for special studies approved
• Council will incorporate the work of Weed Law Technical Advisory Committee and Forestry Council Invasives Team into recommendations, and not duplicate efforts,
• Understanding that public education and voluntary preventive actions will be the most effective in dealing with invasives.