Invasive Species

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development approved adding six invasive plant species to Michigan's invasive plant lists on May 20, 2026. Common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, Callery pear, and Japanese barberry will be restricted effective January 1, 2028, while water hyacinth and water lettuce will be prohibited effective June 19, 2026. Over 90 percent of 2,000 public comments supported the additions.

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are urging residents to follow safe firewood practices during camping season, as untreated firewood can transport invasive pests and diseases that threaten Michigan's $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.

Nebraska Game and Parks urges boaters and anglers to prevent zebra mussel spread through the Clean, Drain, Dry procedure. The invasive species threatens ecosystems and recreation in Nebraska waters including Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River.

Nebraska Invasive Species Awareness Week (May 24-30) features webinars, online and in-person trivia nights, and a free event at Schramm Park State Recreation Area with electrofishing demonstrations, shoreline fishing, and a live Backyard Farmer taping to educate residents about preventing invasive species spread.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with state and federal partners, plans to retreat Smishek Lake in May and June with EarthTecQZ mollusicide to eradicate remaining zebra mussels. Three treatment applications are anticipated to prevent the population from threatening downstream waters including Lake Sakakawea.

Governor Tim Walz and Wildlife Forever proclaimed May 9 as Minnesota Clean Drain Dry Day to prevent aquatic invasive species spread during fishing season. Conservation Program Manager Zach Burnside emphasized the importance of the Clean Drain Dry message, though recent budget cuts threaten county prevention programs.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department are promoting Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week (May 3–9) to encourage responsible recreation and prevent the spread of invasive species. ANS coordinator Ben Holen emphasizes that preventing aquatic invasive species protects North Dakota's waters for all residents.

The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources detected balsam woolly adelgid at Backus Creek State Game Area in Roscommon County. This sap-feeding insect attacks true fir trees and has been managed in Clare, Missaukee, and Oceana counties since 2023. Landowners are encouraged to report suspected infestations using the MISIN reporting tool or by contacting MDA-Info@Michigan.gov.

Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), an invasive spring ephemeral plant, is spreading across the Upper Midwest. The Midwest Invasive Plant Network, Michigan Lesser Celandine Coalition, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources are coordinating monitoring and management efforts. Community members are encouraged to report sightings via the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Michigan property owners should plan spring treatments for hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive Asian insect present in 11 counties that kills hemlock trees within 4-10 years. Effective treatments use imidacloprid or dinotefuran, available for DIY application or through licensed professionals via the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic invasive species inspectors intercepted a watercraft from Oklahoma with viable zebra mussels attached to its hull. Working with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, officials quarantined the vessel and required professional decontamination before launch. The incident demonstrates the importance of year-round watercraft inspections and multi-state coordination to prevent invasive mussel spread.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources established a permanent invasive carp harvest permit effective December 2025 to enable large-scale removal of silver, grass, and black carp from public waters. The free permit allows commercial fishing using gill nets and seines while protecting native fish populations and recreational activities.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation confirmed the first Black Carp discovery in a McCurtain County private pond. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are tracking the invasive species through the "Keep, Cool, Call" initiative, offering Oklahoma anglers $100 per fish reported, up to 10 monthly.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering free certified aquatic invasive species inspector training statewide throughout spring. The one-day courses include classroom instruction and hands-on watercraft inspection exercises, with Josh Leonard serving as the aquatic invasive species coordinator.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program is hosting NotMISpecies webinars featuring experts from the Department of Natural Resources, Lake Superior State University, Trout Unlimited, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians to address invasive species management, didymo tracking, quarantine protocols, and protection of culturally significant trees.

Michigan announced $2.4 million in funding for 27 projects through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, supporting prevention, detection, eradication and control of invasive species. The program, cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources, has awarded over $42 million to 328 projects to date.

Wildlife Forever announces 2025 Clean Drain Dry Initiative results reaching 47 million media impressions. University of Wisconsin–Madison research confirms boaters exposed to Clean Drain Dry and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! messaging are more likely to remove aquatic plants and drain live wells, preventing invasive species spread.

During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 23-27, 2026), Michigan's Invasive Species Program, implemented cooperatively by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources, encourages residents to prevent invasive species spread. In 2025, the program surveyed over 110,000 acres for species like spotted lanternfly and hemlock woolly adelgid, with management actions covering nearly 36,000 acres.

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports another year without invasive mussels as watercraft inspection season begins March 7 at stations in Dillon, Ravalli, and Anaconda. FWP partners with Trout Unlimited and Walleyes Unlimited to prevent aquatic invasive species, urging residents to inspect boats brought from out of state.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will permanently close Jessica's Pond in the Casper Region this month following confirmation of invasive New Zealand mudsnails. The pond will be filled in to prevent species spread near the Dan Speas Fish Hatchery. Chief of Fisheries Alan Osterland cited the rapid spread rate as the reason for closure, with Yesness Pond offered as an alternative.