Invasive Species

Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Division of Wildlife Resources technicians inspected 9,418 boats and performed 154 decontaminations over Labor Day weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. Lake Powell remains Utah's only waterbody infested with quagga mussels, though zebra mussel DNA was recently detected in the Colorado River.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources identified hydrilla, an invasive aquatic species, in Hardy Lake in July 2026. The public can help prevent its spread by cleaning equipment, draining water, and drying gear for five days before using it in different water bodies.

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are expanding the "Don't Move Firewood" campaign to prevent invasive species spread. MDARD Director Tim Boring and DNR Director Scott Bowen are working to certify Michigan firewood producers through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program, ensuring consumers have access to heat-treated, safe firewood options.

Brittle naiad, a highly invasive aquatic weed, was recently discovered in Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges waterfowl hunters to follow Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures to prevent spread of this and other aquatic invasive species.

Zebra mussel DNA fragments were detected in Utah's Colorado River for the first time, prompting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and partner agencies to urge boaters to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species. The U.S. Geological Survey analyzed water samples collected near the Potash Boat Ramp, with four of 22 samples testing positive for zebra mussel DNA.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are urging the public to inspect trees for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle during August Tree Check Month. The destructive beetle attacks hardwood trees and infestations are fatal; residents can report sightings to the ALB hotline at 866-702-9938.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners announced 2026 Florida Python Challenge results, with 907 participants from 30 states, Canada, and Vietnam removing 280 invasive Burmese pythons. Ultimate Grand Prize winner Tom Rahill removed 96 pythons, while Rahm Levinson caught the longest python at 16 feet, 5 inches.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Lakeside Laboratory discovered and treated Eurasian watermilfoil in West Okoboji Lake's canal system south of Miller's Bay. Fisheries biologist Andrew Carlson emphasized swift action using herbicide treatment to protect the aquatic ecosystem. The DNR urges boaters to follow Clean, Drain, Dry protocols to prevent spread of invasive aquatic plants.

Mile-a-minute weed has been confirmed in Jackson County's Concord Township following a landowner report to the Michigan Invasive Species Program. The Jackson, Lenawee, Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and BCK CISMA are conducting surveys and herbicide treatment, with support from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and South Florida Water Management District, begins July 10 and runs through July 19. Participants can compete for $25,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, while helping remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. Registration remains open through the final day of competition.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has restored the 116-acre Rosenow Timber in Shelby County by removing invasive honeysuckle and using controlled burns to promote oak forest growth. Wildlife biologist Doug Chafa reports that woodland plants like wild ginger and Virginia water leaf have returned, providing habitat for turkeys, deer, and migrating birds.

Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and technicians from multiple agencies inspected 9,847 boats and performed 386 decontaminations over the Fourth of July weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. DNR officers cited violations including failure to complete the mussel-aware boater program course and improper drain plug removal.

Inspectors at Montana's Anaconda boat check station prevented a potential ecological disaster by detecting and decontaminating a Minnesota wake boat carrying hundreds of viable zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Tom Woolf, FWP's aquatic invasive species bureau chief, emphasized the critical importance of the inspection, noting such boats could permanently damage Montana's waters.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges buyers and sellers to inspect boats, docks, lifts, and water equipment for aquatic nuisance species like zebra mussels. Ben Holen, ANS coordinator, emphasizes the importance of following the 21-day out-of-water rule to prevent mussel infestations in North Dakota waters.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department leads efforts to survey and eradicate invasive apple snails from Arizona waterways, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest, OdySea Aquarium, SEALIFE Aquarium, Tempe Parks and Recreation, and the Phoenix Zoo's Trailblazers and ZooTeens Program. A June survey removed nearly 300 snails and destroyed over 8,000 egg masses. Volunteer opportunities are available to help combat this invasive species.

The NotMISpecies webinars, supported by Michigan's Invasive Species Program, explore strategies to prevent invasive species spread through monthly presentations. Topics include managing invasive species in critical dune areas with EGLE's Zach Chamberlin, developing response plans with Katie Grzesiak and Drew Rayner of the DNR, and standardizing boater data collection with the Great Lakes Commission's Theresa Gruninger and Taaja Tucker-Silva.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June 28 through July 4 as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. Over 31 outreach events will be hosted at boat launches across Michigan as part of the 13th annual AIS Landing Blitz, with the Michigan Clean Water Corps also hosting its second annual AIS Detection Blitz to help identify invasive species.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is giving away 100 free Chesapeake Bay blue catfish charter or guided fishing trips valued up to $1,500 each from June 24 through July 13. The giveaway aims to remove invasive blue catfish while supporting Maryland's charter boat industry and encouraging recreational anglers to harvest this problematic species.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the state's first detection of elm zigzag sawfly in St. Clair County. The invasive Asian insect, identified by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, feeds on elm leaves but poses no significant threat to people, animals, agriculture, or natural resources. Residents are encouraged to report suspected sightings using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network reporting tool.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources urges boaters and anglers to clean, drain, and dry their equipment to prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading to new water bodies. Jason Euchner, aquatic vegetation management biologist, warns these invasive species can reduce native species and impact outdoor recreation quality.