Michigan Invasive Plant Council An Introduction to the Council and Invasive Plants Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Establishment and Mission Formed in 2000 as result of National Invasive Species Council Executive Order 13112 Mission: To Protect Michigan from the threat of invasive plants Membership: Comprised of an array of stakeholders that include state and federal agencies, universities, non-profit agencies, private corporations, and individuals

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Initiatives Education and outreach Invasive plant assessment tool for scientific evaluation Provide technical support for statewide legislative efforts Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

What is an Invasive Plant? National Executive Order defines an invasive plant as "an alien species (plant, animal, insect, bacteria, and fungi) whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health" Common Reed (Phragmites australis)

Invasive Plant Characteristics Invasive Plants (working definition) - Species which grow quickly and aggressively, displacing other plants as they spread. Robust vegetative growth High reproductive rate Abundant seed production High seed germination rate Longevity May be native or non-native Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica )

Why Are Invasive Plants An Issue? Increasing rate of introduction with globalization. Loss of biodiversity – plants and wildlife. Economic costs (agriculture, forestry, natural areas) Estimated $15 billion annually in United States (plants only). Competition with native plant communities. Interfering with natural succession. * Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society

Some Facts About Invasive Plants In U.S. -- 25% of existing flora is non-native. Only 1% of those plants have become invasive. But 50% of the non-native plants having invasive qualities were introduced as garden plantings. Estimated annual global cost of invasive plants ~ $13-15 billion.

MIPC Listing Process MIPC Invasive Plant Species List for Michigan Presently under development. Uses the Invasive Assessment System, based on sound, scientific and economic principles. Sensitive to Michigan’s environmental conditions To serve as the authoritative source on Michigan's invasive plants by ensuring credible and consistent analysis. Examines invasiveness of plants in natural areas, production areas and managed areas.

Rating Criteria For MIPC Assessment System 1. Impacts on natural areas (discussed earlier) 2. Impacts on managed areas -- Focus is on production systems and managed landscapes. 3. Biological characteristics and dispersal ability 4. Distribution and Abundance in Michigan 5. Management Potential 6. Value (aesthetic, economic, conservation)

Plant Species Currently Under Evaluation by MIPC Assessment Tool Garlic Mustard Common Burdock Smooth Brome Canada Thistle (Alliaria petiolata) (Arcticum minus) (Bromus inermis) (Cirsium arvense)

Plant Species Currently Under Evaluation by MIPC Assessment Tool (cont Marsh Thistle Bull thistle Orchardgrass Queen Anne’s Lace (Cirsium palustre) (Cirsium vulgare) (Dactylis glomerata) (Daucus carota)

Plant Species Currently Under Evaluation by MIPC Assessment Tool (cont Common St. Johns Wort Perennial Ryegrass Yellow Sweetclover Common Tansy (Hypericum perforatum) (Lolium perenne) (Melilotus alba) (Tanacetum vulgare)

Plant Species Currently Under Evaluation by MIPC Assessment Tool (cont Reed Canary Grass Timothy Common Reed Japanese Knotweed (Phalaris arundinacea) (Phleum pratense) (Phragmites australis) (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Plant Species Currently Under Evaluation by MIPC Assessment Tool (cont Common Buckthorn Glossy Buckthorn Black Swallow-wort European Swallow-wort (Rhamnus cathartica) (Rhamnus frangula) (Vincetoxicum nigrum) (Vincetoxicum rossicum)

How You Can Help Get involved with MIPC: www.invasiveplantsmi.org Always be aware and responsible with introduced plants Remove invasive plants if they show up on your property Spread the word!

Resources Michigan Invasive Plant Council: P.O. Box 27036, Lansing, MI 48909-7036 www.invasiveplantsmi.org www.stewardshipnetwork.org The Nature Conservancy Wildland Invasive Species Team. Information on individual species & their control. http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/ Univ. of Wisconsin Stevens Point Herbarium http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/index.html Great for information on identification