Engaging Local Citizens in Detecting and Controlling Invasive Species in River Corridors Laura MacFarland River Alliance of Wisconsin

Outline Introduction to the River Alliance of Wisconsin River Alliances AIS Program Volunteer Monitors Patrol River Corridors for Invasive Species

Founded 15 years ago by paddlers and flyfishermen concerned about the health of Wisconsins rivers Statewide Over 3000 members Over 150 groups

Assess the potential threats posed by invasive species to the flowing waters of Wisconsin Examine potential roles for citizens and volunteer groups at the local level to take on education, prevention, planning, and management activities aimed at these species AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT

Guide these groups to improve their knowledge and expand their capacity to meet the challenges of riverine invasive species, including education, prevention, and control Develop monitoring program for river organizations in coordination with the Department, National Institute of Invasive Species Science and University Extension AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT (cont.)

Why we want our rivers to be free of invasive species! Flow Flora Fauna Fishing Paddling Swimming

Invasive Species Coming Soon to a River Near You!!!

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum/ Fallopia japonica) Stems resemble bamboo and can grow to be 10 feet tall. Leaves are normally 6 inches long by 3 to 4 inches broad, heart shaped/ triangular Controlled through multifaceted approach (mechanical and chemical).

Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) Dark spot on carapace as if you picked them up with paint on your thumb and forefinger Prevention is key as control of an established population has not been successful

Common Reed Grass (Phragmites australis) Perennial reed grass; up to 13 feet tall, large light-brown to purple flower spike Chemical and mechanical treatments

NativeNon-native Smooth stem Less dense stand Black fungus on old stems Leaves/sheath peels off easily Ridged stem Dense stand that you can hardly see through Leaves/sheath do not peel off easily

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Stiff, four-sided upright stem; 3 -9 feet tall Opposite leaf arrangement 5 – 6 petals per flower; flowers in a spike Biological, chemical and mechanical control

Japanese Hops Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus) Annual vine twines counter-clockwise Leaves and stem covered with hooked climbing hairs that feel sticky Flowers mid to late summer Chemical and Mechanical Control

Common Teasel ( Dipsacus fullonum)

Curly-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) Eurasian Milfoil (myriophyllum spicatum)

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Paul E. Berry © 1997 Purdue University Agronomy Extension

Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Triangular in shape Various colors and patterns but most have black or brown stripes Mechanical Control

Zebra Mussels The Quagga Musselb (an invasive species) has been found in environments that the Zebra mussel has not been successful in invading!

Future Threats Snakehead, mosquito fish Three-spine stickleback New Zealand mud snail Hydrilla Water chestnut Water hyacinth Water lettuce

Invasive Species Coming Soon to a River Near You!!! NOT MY RIVER!

Pilot Monitoring Project Over 25 miles of rivers were surveyed by River Alliance staff and volunteers on four rivers (Sheboygan River, Kickapoo River, Badfish Creek, and Baraboo River).

Sheboygan County Master Gardeners RA Individual Member Valley Stewardship Network Friends of Badfish Creek Statewide Trainees UW Hoofers Madcity Paddlers

Map from the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Japanese Knotweed

Results RiverJKCRGPLSJH Sheboygan10510 Baraboo0000 Badfish Creek1020 Kickapoo1000 Figure 2. Number of New Infestations Detected

Lessons Learned Cannot include absence data Should be done while the plant is in bloom Keep it simple Work within existing framework

Results on Badfish Creek 138 to Casey Road Two isolated purple loosestrife plants –Between 138 and First Hwy 59 bridge –Downstream from Riley Road –river left – closer to second HWY 59 bridge Large Patch of Japanese knotweed at Riley Road crossing – river right.

Helping Local Groups Take the Next Step!

Discussion What role can the Friends of Badfish Creek and local groups play in the fight against invasive species? Priorities Limitations Resources

Questions?