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National Invasive Species Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. U.S. Invasive Species
  3. Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Provides selected Wisconsin resources from agencies and organizations with an interest in the prevention, control, or eradication of invasive species.

Spotlights

  • Spongy Moth Population Increases for Third Consecutive Year in Wisconsin

    • Dec 2, 2022

    • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

    • The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) caught 202,300 spongy moths (formerly named gypsy moth) in 10,044 traps this summer as part of the federal Slow the Spread of the Spongy Moth Program. "Wisconsin weather trends have allowed the spongy moth population to grow over the last several years," said Michael Falk, DATCP's trapping coordinator.

      Spongy moth is an invasive pest that has been spreading westward since its introduction to North America. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of many species of trees and shrubs, especially oaks, and can cause severe leaf loss when feeding in large numbers. For more information, call (800) 642-MOTH (6684), email spongymoth@wisconsin.gov, or visit www.spongymoth.wi.gov.

  • Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program

    • University of Wisconsin. College of Natural Resources. Extension Lakes.

    • The Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspection program is an opportunity to take a front line defense against the spread of aquatic invasive species. Program inspectors are trained to organize and conduct a boater education program in their community. Adults and youth teams educate boaters on how and where invasive species are most likely to hitch a ride into waterbodies. Inspectors perform boat and trailer checks for invasive specie​s, distribute informational brochures, and collect and report any new AIS presence in waterbodies. 

  • Invasive Plant Bounty

    • Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin (IPAW).

    • One of the basic principles of invasive plant management is early detection. To that end, IPAW is sponsoring a reward program to encourage and provide incentive for citizens of the state to look for and report prohibited invasive plants.

  • Wisconsin First Detector Network

    • University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    • The Wisconsin First Detector Network (WIFDN) is a citizen science network that empowers people to take action against invasive species through invasive species monitoring, management, and outreach. WIFDN provides training and resources through a combination of webinars, instructional videos, and hands-on workshops, in addition to providing volunteer opportunities to citizen scientists. Consider becoming a First Detector and help improve our network to minimize the impact and spread of invasive species in Wisconsin.

State Specific Threats

All Resources

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Selected Resources

The section below contains highly relevant resources for this location, organized by source.

Council or Task Force
Partnership
State and Local Government
Academic

  • Aquatic Invasive Species

    • University of Wisconsin Sea Grant.

  • Citizen Lake Monitoring Netowrk

    • University of Wisconsin. College of Natural Resources. Extension Lakes.

    • The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN) creates a bond between 1000+ citizen volunteers statewide and the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. Our goals are to collect high-quality lake monitoring data, educate and empower our volunteers, and share our data to inform lake management.

  • Department of Entomology

    • University of Wisconsin - Madison.

  • Weeds & Invasive Plants

    • University of Wisconsin - Extension.

  • Wisconsin Integrated Pest and Crop Management

    • University of Wisconsin. Extension.

    • The University of Wisconsin Nutrient and Pest Management Program (NPM) and Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM)—work to bring research-based information regarding Wisconsin farm profits, water quality, pest management, pesticide use practices, and nutrient management planning to Wisconsin farmers and landowners.

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