Invasive Species
Invasive species continue to invade Wisconsin's waters and the news headlines in the Great Lakes region, as we experience the devastating impacts that they have on our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and our economy.
The River Alliance of Wisconsin has been the voice for rivers for 15 years on issues from nonpoint pollution to groundwater depletion. We recognize today that invasive species are a significant threat to our rivers impacting their ecology and hydrology. Invasives threaten the survival of native plants and animals, interfere with ecosystem functions, and hybridize with native species resulting in negative genetic impacts. They impede industry, threaten agriculture, endanger human health, and are becoming increasingly difficult to control.
The River Alliance is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the National Institute for Invasive Species Science, the University of Wisconsin-Extension and many local partners. Learn more about our efforts...
* Project RED: Citizens monitor river corridors for invasive species
* Lower Wisconsin River AIS Project
* Invasive species of concern in Wisconsin's rivers
* Resources for local organizations to take on invasive species in their local rivers
AIS Threats
In the
What we do know is that they...
- outcompete native vegetation creating a bland landscape
- harm our native invertebrates, fish and other wildlife species
- change the hydrology of rivers
- destabilize streambanks
- clog waterways
- cause lost recreational opportunities and more.
See examples of threats from invasive species>>