Invasive Species Control Season

By Travis Bartnick, GLIFWC

The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) will be continuing control efforts for invasive species, including dalmation toadflax, leafy and cypress spurge, purple loosestrife, wild parsnip, garlic mustard, teasel, yellow iris, and non-native phragmites in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron counties. Work will take place from June through September, primarily within road rights-of-way. Control efforts include manual removal, spot applications of herbicide, and biological control for spurge and loosestrife.

Non-native invasive species can harm native ecosystems across the landscape. Some invasive species can also cause physical harm to wildlife, livestock, and humans. Leafy and cypress spurge can be toxic to deer and cattle, and will displace native plants and forage. Purple loosestrife and non-native phragmites threaten local wetlands and coastal estuaries by displacing native plants and reducing diversity. Wild parsnip can cause phytophotodermatitis if your skin comes in contact with the plant sap in the presence of sunlight, leading to a rash, blistering, and/or skin discoloration that may last several months. Garlic mustard outcompetes many native plant species and is becoming an increasing nuisance in the Northwoods. Yellow iris can expand quickly, forming dense monotypic stands that can replace and crowd out valuable native aquatic plants.

The control crew will be following CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as Covid-19 while conducting their work. This will include the use of PPE, driving in separate vehicles, and maintaining safe distances from others.

Maps depicting the local distribution of invasive species and past control efforts can be found at http://maps.glifwc.org.

For general information, please visit GLIFWC’s invasive species website at http://invasives.glifwc.org.

Contact Travis Bartnick at 715-682-6619, ext. 2166 or email Travis for more information.