The purpose of this page is to answer some general questions about Invasive Species. 

What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are species of plants and animals that become dominant or "take over" the lands or waters they inhabit. Typically invasive species are also exotic species, meaning they are not part of the local ecosystems and may cause those ecosystems to collapse. 

Where Do They Come From?

Invasive species come from everywhere. While you may hear of many species such as European bush honeysuckles, Eurasian watermilfoil and Asian carp, in other places our native species such as small mouth bass are causing problems.  

How Do They Get Here?

Throughout history various invasive species have been introduced as crops, ornamental plants, livestock, pets, and game species to various environments throughout the world. In more recent years with an increase in global travel of people and goods, the rate at which invasive species are spreading has grown drastically. These introductions are unintentional, but the effects are no less damaging. 

Most species that arrive in a new environment are quickly eliminated because they are unable to cope with the local environmental conditions. Invasive species generally have a high tolerance for disturbance and are equipped with adaptations that allow them to gain a foothold in their new environment. 

Why Should You Care?

You should care about invasive species because they have a profound negative impact on human health and the ecological and economical well-being of the places they invade. These effects are so well known and documented that the Wisconsin DNR has established laws under the Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR40 that make it illegal to possess, transport, transfer, or introduce invasive species to a new area. 

Additional Resources

The staff and volunteers here at the Timberland Invasives Partnership are always ready to help you with learning more about invasive species, but if you prefer to learn on your own, there are a wide variety of resources to help you out. To get you started you may find it beneficial to visit the sites listed below.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR)
This website provides all information on the WI DNR's approach to invasive species management, laws pertaining to invasive species, and resources/educational materials the DNR has available to share. 

Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin (IPAW)
IPAW provides a map of all known Cooperative Weed Management Areas in the state of Wisconsin as well as the IPAW List of WI Invasives which provides information on species impact levels and what levels of disturbance those invasive species will invade under.

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)
MISIN provides factsheets with background information, identification training modules, and educational resources for invasive species as well as a very user-friendly opportunity to report invasive species and view maps of reported invasive species.

Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN)
MIPN provides a variety of resources including factsheets, links to other resources, and the Plant Control Database, an interactive tool to help you arrive at the appropriate treatment method for your problem plant.