Take Action to Stop Invasive Species!

Everyone deserves to enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors. Our lakes, woods, prairies and wetlands are part of our legacy. Whether you take to the woods or the waters—or just enjoy your own backyard—there are some simple steps that you can take to prevent the spread of invasive species. Please do your part to help protect Wisconsin’s natural treasures!

Boaters, sailors, anglers, paddlers…every time you leave a launch:

• Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.
• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land. Never move live fish, including minnows, from one water to another.
• Buy your minnows from licensed Wisconsin bait dealers or catch your own and use it to fish the water you caught it from.
• Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, OR let it dry for 5 days

Campers:

• Leave firewood at home. Buy it within a 50-mile radius of your campsite.
• Burn all wood during your trip.
• Inspect clothing and equipment for seeds, insects, etc. before leaving your camping area.

Landowners and gardeners:

• Use native plant species whenever possible.
• Dispose of seeds in the trash.
• Be on the lookout for invasive species.
• Respond aggressively to rid your land of new invasive species.
• Leave native trees and plants alone; natural landscapes offer the best defense.

Hikers, bikers, ATV riders, and other recreational users:

• Clean your clothes, bicycles, ATV's, etc before leaving a site that is infested with invasive plants.

For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasives during specific activities, see the links in the box below or contact your local DNR office.