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Invasive Species: Take Action

What you can do

Michigan's natural areas are under threat from invasive species. You can help protect our land and water resources.

When invasives take hold, they change  native ecosystems. Invasive species are difficult, sometimes even impossible to eradicate. Once invasive species become established, the work to remove them and restore natural systems is costly and time consuming. Preventing the spread of invasive species is the easiest solution to the problem. You can make a difference!

Prevent invasive species

Prevention starts with you! Be familiar with steps you can take to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive species when you are enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are boating, fishing camping, hunting, enjoying the trails or working on your land, garden, pond or aquarium, understand what you can do to prevent the spread. 

Prevention tips

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Boaters and anglers

After trailering boats and before getting on the road, boaters must pull all plugs, drain water and remove plants and debris. Anglers should clean gear after use and never dump bait. 

Don't move firewood (logo)

Campers

Invasive insects and diseases have killed millions of trees in Michigan. Moving firewood is a common way for invasive species to infest new locations. 

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Hunters and trail users

Invasive plants and seeds can hitchhike on outdoor gear and infest new areas. If you enjoy the outdoors, clean your gear, pets and vehicles after every trip.

RIPPLE logo Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes

Landowners, gardeners & pond owners

It's possible for cultivated plants and pets to become invasive if released into the wild. Find out what you can do to protect our natural environment.

Control or remove invasive species

There are steps you can take to help control the spread of invasive species. Know the laws, understand what measures you can take to remove invasives and when you need a permit to do so, and find opportunities to volunteer. You can also check in with local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), partnerships that work to address invasive species impacts on the environment, economy and human health in their regions. CISMAs offer a range of services for prevention, early detection, response and control of invasive species.

Resources

Know the laws

Laws and regulations at the state and federal level are designed to stop the introduction and spread of invasive species. These laws are often complicated. Following a few best practices can keep you on the right side of the law.

Local CISMA resources

Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas provide help with prevention, identification, reporting and managing invasive species in their regions. Find contact information for the CISMA in your region.

Need a permit?

There are several methods you can use to control invasive species, including hand pulling, burning, pesticides and more. Learn when you need a permit to control or manage invasive species.

Volunteer opportunities

Find opportunities to protect and restore natural lands and waters by helping to remove or prevent invasive species in your region or favorite outdoor recreation area. 

Decontamination: Proper removal techniques

Decontamination training

This training focuses on decontaminating field equipment and vehicles to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. For anyone who works, plays or volunteers in lakes, rivers or wetlands.

Invasive species decontamination for field operations in Michigan

An internal policy document with with widespread applications for preventing the spread of invasive species. Learn how to minimize risk of transferring invasives species while in the field by providing basic decontamination steps as well as information specific to equipment used by state agency staff.