Wisconsin Monitoring Confirms Boats, Not Ducks, Moving Aquatic Invasive Species

Wisconsin Monitoring Confirms Boats, Not Ducks, Moving Aquatic Invasive Species



*See original article here: http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/1362566001uc8n8j5w42z

MADISON - Preliminary results from systematic monitoring of Wisconsin lakes for aquatic invasive species confirm that boaters, not ducks or other birds, are spreading the invaders around, state and University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers say.


None of the wilderness lakes surveyed - those in remote places and easily accessible only to wildlife - had any invasive species present while there was a direct link between the presence of invasive species and boat access from public and private property.

Thirty percent of the lakes with boat access, however, had Eurasian water-milfoil, 18 percent of the suitable lakes surveyed with boat access had zebra mussels, and three lake systems with boat access had spiny water fleas.

"The fact that accessible lakes are the ones that are invaded indicates that these species are moved by boaters," says Alex Latzka, a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student involved in the research. "While birds could transport invasive species from one lake to another, our finding that remote lakes do not have invasive species strongly indicates that birds are not an important factor."

In recent years, DNR and the UW-Madison have collectively surveyed 450 lakes for aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels, Eurasian water-milfoil and spiny water fleas.

UW-Madison researchers looked for aquatic invasive species in a range of lakes, including wilderness lakes.

DNR focused its sampling on those lakes more likely to have invasive species present because they had boat access that ranged from wide, paved public boat launches to private boat launches to yard access. DNR is two years into its 5-year sampling effort to understand the prevalence of aquatic invasive species in lakes statewide and also to understand whether efforts to slow the spread are working.

Two years of sampling is not enough to tell if the rate of spread is slowing in lakes with boat access, although there are some positive signs, says Scott Van Egeren, the DNR limnologist who coordinated DNR's sampling over the past two years.

The number of lakes DNR surveyed and found with the different invasive species was about the same for both years. Finishing up the five years of monitoring will help provide information on the rate of the spread.

Most lakes with boat access were still free of the worst invasive species; 70 percent of the lakes with public access surveyed were free of Eurasian water-milfoil, despite the fact the invasive plant has been present in Wisconsin for more than 50 years and is considered a relatively widespread aquatic invasive species. And 82 percent of suitable lakes with public access are still clear of zebra mussels, present inland for more than 20 years.

"While we did find one or more invasive species in many of the lakes with private and public boat access, the prevalence of any one of them is relatively low given that some of these invasive species have been present in Wisconsin waters for decades," Van Egeren says.

Bob Wakeman, who coordinates DNR response to aquatic invasive species, says the preliminary results underscore how important it is that boaters take the required steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Regulations since 2006 for oceangoing ships have effectively halted the introduction to the Great Lakes of new invasive species, Wakeman says, "so it's up to boaters to keep those invasive species already in the Great Lakes from being spread to inland lakes.

"Out of 184 invasive species introduced to Lake Michigan over the past century, just 29 have made it to inland Wisconsin lakes," Wakeman says. "Boaters have done a good job in recent years in following the rules, and they can continue to keep the damaging species out of inland waters as long as they take a few minutes to take some simple steps. "And we're happy to say that ducks are not going to undo your hard work!"

Contact:
Bob Wakeman 262-574-2149; Scott Van Egeren 608-264-8895; or Jake Vander Zanden, UW-Madison, 608-262-9464

Webinar: Conservation Science Webinar Series - Native and Non-native Species: How Much Attention Should Managers Be Paying to Origins?

Conservation Science Webinar Series

"The Science behind the News"


The National Conservation Training Center's Conservation Science Webinar Series attempts to cut through the spin and rhetoric by providing the science behind conservation issues in the news.   Tuesday, June 4th, 2013
2:00 – 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Native and Non-native Species: How Much Attention Should Managers Be Paying to Origins?

A debate between Mark Davis and Dan Simberloff

Dr. Mark Davis is the DeWitt Wallace Professor of Biology at Macalester College

Dr. Daniel Simberloff is the Gore Hunger professor of Environmental Studies at University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Description: Two of the leading scientists in the field of Invasion Biology, Dr. Mark Davis (author of the book Invasion Biology, published in 2009 by Oxford University Press) and Dr. Daniel Simberloff (Director of the Institute for Biological Invasions at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville) will discuss when, if and how conservation biologists and managers should deal with non-native species.

Note: Captioning Services are available. If you cannot attend, this webinar will be recorded and posted on the Conservation Science Webinar Series Archive after the presentation.       To register for the Webinar:

Go to: https://doilearn.webex.com/
Enter the webinar title in the search box
Scroll down to find your webinar
Click the Register button to the right
Enter your name, e-mail address and company
Click register

Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the webinar.
Trouble registering? Questions? Contact: Marilyn Williams, 304-876-7940 (marilyn_williams@fws.gov)

This Week's ISAM Events - May 20 - 26, 2013

Lots of great opportunities to participate in Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month this week. Below is a list of this week's events. As always, check www.illinoisinvasives.org for more information on these events and a full list of events for 2013 ISAM.


Mon May 20, 2013

1pm - 3pm Fermilab Natural Areas - Garlic Mustard Challenge
Where: Fermilab Natural Areas - Meet in Lederman Science Center parking lot at
1 PM

Tue May 21, 2013

11am - 12pm Webinar - EAB 101

Sat May 25, 2013

8am - 12pm Peoria Wilds Restoration Workday - Singing Woods
Where: Singing Woods - Peoria Heights

9am - 11am Bush honeysuckle removal at Lafferty Nature Center, Charleston
Where: Lafferty Nature Center, Charleston

9am - 3pm Clean Boats Crew Outreach Event - Chicago Area (Diversey Harbor)
Where: Diversey Harbor -- 2601 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

9am - 3pm
Clean Boats Crew Outreach Event - Chicago Area (North Point Marina)
Where: North Point Marina -- 701 North Point Drive, Winthrop Harbor, IL

9am - 12pm
Lake County Forest Preserve District Stewardship Workday - Garlic Mustard Pull
Where: Rollins Savanna - Grayslake, IL

9am - 12pm
Lake County Forest Preserve District Stewardship Workday - Garlic Mustard Pull
Where: Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods, IL

10am - 2pm Chicago Park Distrcit - Garlic Mustard Pull
Where: Darrow Bridge

10am - 1pm Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Day - Riverdale
Where: Kickapoo Forest Preserve - 14383 S. Halsted, Riverdale, Illinois 60827

Sun May 26, 2013

9am - 3pm Clean Boats Crew Outreach Event - Chicago Area (Chain O' Lakes State Park)
Where: Chain O’ Lakes -- 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL

9am - 3pm Clean Boats Crew Outreach Event - Chicago Area (Skokie Lagoons)
Where: Skokie Lagoons -- Boat ramp off Tower Rd. Entrance in Winnetka, east of the Edens Expressway.

Midwestern Frogs Decline, Mammal Populations Altered by Invasive Plant, Studies Reveal

One more reason to hate Buckthorn...


Midwestern Frogs Decline, Mammal Populations Altered by Invasive Plant, Studies Reveal

May 1, 2013 — Researchers at Lincoln Park Zoo and Northern Illinois University have discovered a new culprit contributing to amphibian decline and altered mammal distribution throughout the Midwest region -- the invasive plant European buckthorn. This non-native shrub, which has invaded two-thirds of the United States, has long been known to negatively impact plant community composition and forest structure, but these two innovative studies slated to publish in upcoming editions of the Journal of Herpetology and Natural Areas Journal demonstrate how this shrub negatively impacts native amphibians and affects habitat use by mammals including increased prevalence of coyotes and other carnivores...   Read full article from Science Daily HERE

New Invasive Plant Fact Sheets available from Ohio Invasive Plants Council

The Ohio Invasive Plants Council (OIPC) has posted on their website, www.oipc.info, the new factsheets on some of the most problematic invasive plant species in Ohio.   These factsheets have the latest information, including best practices in management/control for each, new distribution maps, etc..   The factsheets can be found at http://www.oipc.info/FactSheet_TOC.html.

Lesser Celandine Becoming a Major Problem in Parts of the State - Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter

Here is a great article by Michelle Wiesbrook on an emerging invasive plant in NE Illinois, lesser celandine (aka fig buttercup) in the Illinois Cooperative Extension Service's Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter.  If you know of new locations of this plant, please enter that information into www.newinvaders.org. 

See original article HERE
--------------------------------------

Lesser Celandine Becoming a Major Problem in Parts of the State  

By Michelle Wiesbrook (originally published in Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter Issue 3/May 13, 2013

If you live in northeast Illinois and you frequent wooded areas in the spring, you may very likely be familiar with lesser celandine (Ficaria verna or Ranunculus ficaria) which is also known as fig buttercup and pilewort. This short, invasive perennial like many others was introduced as an ornamental garden plant. It is quickly becoming a serious invasive in this state as well as parts of the northeast U.S. Sale of this plant is only regulated in Massachusetts and Connecticut so Illinois gardeners can purchase this plant for use in their own gardens. I find it amusing that the cultivar, ‘Brazen Hussy' appears to be aptly named by a breeder with a sense of humor. I hear that another plant, greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), is grateful to be of no relation to lesser celandine.

Lesser celandine (Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org)

 However, large unwanted populations of this plant are no laughing matter. Mats of leaves can dominate forest floors blocking light to native plants. Just a quick survey taken this week of a few land stewards finds that there are known populations of lesser celandine in Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties – more specifically, in these areas:

• along the flood plain of the Des Plaines river including the town of Riverwoods
• at the North Branch of the Chicago river
• near lake Michigan ravines and bluff tops
• in the forest preserves
• in the vicinity of the Skokie River.

I'm certain there are many more populations. This plant is becoming a big problem.

It was first collected in Illinois (at least in the Chicago region) in 1978. It is often seen in moist areas in lawns or adjacent wooded areas, near streams. It grows in moist soil of floodplains and seepage areas. It has appeared in wooded wetlands, both in open sun and in shaded areas. 

This spring ephemeral is reportedly in bloom now in Lake County. The flowers are attractive, up to 3 inches wide, and aid greatly in identification. They are usually 8-petaled and on stalks. Lesser celandine flowers profusely and deer don't seem to like to eat the plants. From a distance, it could be mistaken for marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) however.

The leaves can be irregular in shape but are generally heart-shaped or kidney-shaped. Size is variable but they are shiny, succulent, and often dark green. Once the flowers die back, bulblets (bulbils) are visible above the ground. It has small tubers that aid with spread and allow it to overwinter. Leaves and basal rosettes appear again in late winter.

Lesser celandine is difficult to eradicate. Some have found success with applications of glyphosate (1.5%) very early in the spring. Wait until temperatures are above 50 degrees F. Small clumps can be dug by hand, being sure to remove all tubers. The rosettes however are discrete and can be difficult to locate. Removing the flowers prior to seed set may help in preventing the spread.

For more information, check out these factsheets:

 

http://www.newinvaders.org/species/fig%20buttercup.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/rafi1.htm

 

Special thanks to Chris Evans of IDNR and Paul Marcum and David Ketzner of INHS for their assistance in collecting information on this species. (Michelle Wiesbrook)

Article - Take measures to prevent spread of invasive species while enjoying nature

by Chris Young

Originally published in the The Peoria Journal Star
See Original Article HERE

When it comes to preventing the spread of invasive species, people who love the outdoors should take steps to be sure they are not part of the problem.

Many invasive species — defined as plants and animals that can cause economic and ecological harm — crowd out native species and can be difficult to control.

Chris Evans, invasive species campaign coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said people need to learn to identify invasive species and help prevent their spread.

“One thing they can do is familiarize themselves with the invasives,” Evans said. “Learn what is in your area.”

One example is Japanese stiltgrass, an annual that is a major invader of forests in southern Illinois.

Evans said the plant is making its way northward, probably because seeds are carried on boots, all-terrain vehicles and even horses.

“We re trying to get people to watch for it,” he said.

Officials in Illinois are keeping a close eye on hydrilla, an aquatic plant.

“It’s not here yet,” Evans said. “But it is pretty abundant south and east, and is showing up a few places in the Midwest. It can just dominate in a reservoir or aquatic system.”

It was once sold as an aquarium plant, according to http://www.protectyourwaters.net.

So great is the threat, that a task force has been formed to plan a response should hydrilla appear in Illinois.

Like another invasive aquatic plant, Eurasian water milfoil, it spreads by plant fragments that can hitch a ride on boats.

As temperatures warm and people head outside, Evans said people should clean their shoes and equipment (including boats) before moving from one site to another.

For landowners who don’t know if they have a problem, Evans suggests a visit to a local University of Illinois Extension or U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Local staff members will be familiar with problems plants in your area.

“If they don’t know the answer to your question, they will know who to ask,” Evans said.

Some of the invaders are in the news frequently — the advance of Asian carp is one familiar example. But carp and plants aren’t the only invaders.

Feral swine

“It’s not just plants,” Evans said. “The spread of feral swine is something we are seeing more across the state, and we are concerned.”

Feral swine, or wild hogs, can destroy wildlife habitat. The also reproduce rapidly.

Most wild pigs are not escapees from farms, but animals brought here for hunting.

Giant hogweed

Giant hogweed is a member of the carrot family, but can grow 10 to 12 feet tall with clusters of flowers 18 to 20 inches wide.

“It looks like Queen Anne’s lace on steroids,” he said. “The reason we are concerned is because the sap can cause severe burns.”

Another relative, wild parsley, can also cause irritating burns when the plant is pulled by hand.

Bush honeysuckle

There are several species of honeysuckle, with two main shrub species causing most of the problems in Illinois.

Bush honeysuckle has arching stems, long-lasting green foliage and bright red berries in late fall.

“Bush honeysuckle occurs across the state, and is a major problem in Illinois forests,” Evans said. “It can invade even mature, healthy forest. It is pretty devastating when it gets in there shading out our native plants and shrubs.” (See video on PrairieStateOutdoors.com.)

Buckthorn

Buckthorn is a forest shrub or small tree that has the ability to discourage other plants from growing nearby.

“Buckthorn is very aggressive, but past the northern half of the state we don’t see it as much,” Evans said. “In northern Illinois it is a major issue.”

Oriental bittersweet

“It is a species of vine that wraps tightly around trees,” Evans said. “It can wrap so tightly the trees grow out and over it and girdle the tree .” (Many outdoorsmen and women have encountered trees that have grown over barbed wire wrapped around a tree trunk.)

It can also grow up and over trees and shade them.

Zebra mussels

Zebra mussels are small mussels with striped shells. They tend to congregate in clusters and have the potential to clog water intake pipes.

Like many of the invasive species in the Great Lakes, zebra mussels probably were brought here by ocean-going ships from other parts of the world.

“They are still here and they are still an issue,” he said. “They are well established and there’s not much we can do about it. Asian carp has taken the role as the number one aquatic invader.”

Garlic mustard


Originally brought to the new world by settlers for use as a potted herb, garlic mustard has gradually spread across the eastern United States, picking up steam every year.

The plants produce large numbers of extremely small seeds that can be easily spread.

To kill the plant, it must be pulled and removed from the site.

The good news is that garlic mustard is edible.

Chris Young can be reached at (217) 788-1528. Follow him at twitter.com/ChrisYoungPSO.