Invasive Species: Take Action

Share the tradition of fishing in Michigan with the next generations by helping to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases that put fish and their habitats at risk. 

Follow Michigan fishing laws:

• Anglers who are catching and releasing fish should only release the fish back into the same water or in a connecting body of water the fish could have reached on its own.
• Any baitfish an angler collects may be used only in the waters where it was originally collected or in a connecting body of water the fish could have reached on its own.
• Unused purchased or caught baitfish should be disposed of on land or in the trash – never in the water. 

Clean, Drain, Dry:

• Clean your gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, down rigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access. Scrub off any visible material on footwear with a stiff brush.
• Drain the water from watercraft, motor, bilge, bladder tanks, live-well and portable bait containers before leaving water access
• Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
  
  

Protect cold water streams and rivers:

• Take extra precaution in areas with known or suspected didymo or New Zealand mudsnail infestations. Use a chemical disinfectant with documented effectiveness for these species:
  • Products such as Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner applied to waders and gear.
  • Bleach: Apply a solution of one-half cup (4 fluid ounces) bleach to 5 gallons of water and let stand for 20 minutes.
  • Virkon Aquatic: Apply a solution of 20 grams per liter of water and let stand for 20 minutes (see manufacturer’s label for additional guidance).
• Any chemical disinfectants should be applied to waders and gear on land, at a reasonable distance from the water, to avoid accidental discharge into surface waters.

• Helpful Tips:
  • Avoid visiting multiple rivers in a single day.
  • Plan time to decontaminate between trips.
  • Designate specific gear, especially porous items like nets or rope, for use only in infested waters.
  • Use non-felt soled boots to further reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.

Many plants and animals that we use in aquariums and backyard ponds have been imported from other parts of the world. While they are excellent to enjoy, they may be harmful to Michigan's native ecosystems if they are released or escape into the wild. 

• Become familiar with, and never buy or sell invasive species that are prohibited or restricted in Michigan.
• It is never safe to transplant or release aquarium plants, fish or animals into any waterways including lakes, streams, ditches and ponds.
• Give or trade unwanted fish or plants with another hobbyist, retailer, environmental learning center, aquarium or zoo. Use the RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector network map to find a participating retailer nearest you.
• Inspect and rinse any new plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish.  
• Construct ponds or water gardens away from other waters, wetlands and floodplains. Check out the MSU Extension Smart Gardening fact sheet on water gardening to learn more.
• Contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal of animals.
• Visit Michigan’s Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes (RIPPLE) website to learn more about aquarium and water garden best practices. 

Do you love Michigan’s waters? Make sure to leave aquatic hitchhikers behind.

Michigan is a boater’s paradise. Whether paddling, cruising, jet-skiing or fishing, something unwanted may try to hitch a ride. Take care of the waters we all love by taking time to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals.

Follow state law

Take these steps at the launch site after trailering boats, and before getting on the road:

• Ensure that the watercraft, trailer and any conveyance used to transport them are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.
• Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells.
• If possible, allow boats, trailers and gear to dry in the sun for 5 to 7 days or wash with a pressure washer or chemical disinfectant or dry surfaces with a towel to prevent the spread of hard-to-see zebra mussel larvae, New Zealand mudsnails and didymo cells. 

Clean, Drain, Dry

This applies to all watercraft, from tubes and floats to kayaks to catamarans! Check any vessels and gear that have touched the water.

• Remove all debris including plants, plant fragments and mud that may contain seeds or small organisms.
• Drain anything that can hold water, including canoes, kayaks and rafts.
• Dry in the sun, towel dry or disinfect before the next use.

If the outdoors is your second home, do your part to protect it from invasive species.

Campers travel far and wide to enjoy nature’s most beautiful spaces. Take care of the places you love by making sure invasive plants and pests aren’t tagging along on your trip.

• Park and camp in designated areas or clearings to avoid contact with weeds and brush.
• Leave firewood at home. Buy firewood at or near your campsite to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects and diseases.
• Leave any unused wood at your campsite or with your campground host.
• Sweep out your RV or tent and brush off hammocks prior to leaving. 
• Remove mud and debris from gear, shoes and pets before heading to your next destination.
• Check anything that’s been outdoors for hitchhiking insects or egg masses. Scrape off egg masses and dispose of them in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. 

Gardeners create beautiful landscapes. Make those spaces beneficial to pollinators, birds and other native species by keeping landscapes invasive species free! 

• Buy plants native to your area at a reputable nursery. Visit Go Beyond Beauty to find nurseries committed to invasive species prevention.
• Become familiar with invasive plant species and those that are prohibited or restricted in Michigan.
• Avoid planting invasive plants. They can move and spread to wild places. 
• Report any suspected invasive species to your local cooperative invasive species management area.
• Clippings and yard waste that could contain invasive species should be disposed of properly. Follow guidance in the Michigan Guide to Invasive Plant Disposal.
• If composting, ensure the pile has 30 days of exposure to temperatures of 145 degrees or more to kill seeds from tougher weed species.

Hunters play a significant role in natural resource management and conservation. Do your part to keep wildlife and their habitats healthy and invasive-species free. 

• Start the day with clean shoes, vehicles and gear.
• Park in designated areas and, when possible, stay on trails to reach your destination. 
• Use only native plants for food plots. Native plants provide much better food and cover for wildlife.
• Use only native vegetation to construct blinds.
• Clean your boots, hunting gear, truck bed and tires after a hunting trip to make sure you're not spreading seeds, insects or spores to a new location.
• Don't move firewood. Buy or use firewood that's close to your campsite.

Waterfowl hunters should take special precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species: 

• CLEAN equipment (including waders, decoys, straps, anchors, boats, and trailers) thoroughly between trips to keep from transporting undesirable plant fragments, seeds or organisms from one site to another.
• DRAIN all water from boats, trailers and equipment. 
• DRY boats, gear and equipment for 5 days (if possible) before transporting to another waterbody. 
• Inspect all gear and equipment before and after use, including anchors, decoys and lines, blinds, waders and clothing. Remove any plants, debris and soil. 

While you’re on the move, make sure invasive pests aren’t moving with you. 

Hikers, bikers and off-roaders can log a lot of miles. When we get close to nature, it also means nature can get close to us. In fact, something unwanted may try to hitch a ride to your next destination. 

• Start the day with clean shoes, vehicles and gear.
• Stay on designated trails to keep invasive species populations localized and avoid spreading them to new areas. 
• Clean equipment, boots, animals and gear between trips - preferably, before leaving an infested area. Make sure to remove all mud, seeds and other plant parts.
• Rinse or spray down your bike, vehicle and trailer with water or compressed air to remove mud and plant parts from tires and fenders.