OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An invasive plant was discovered for the first time in the state of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the European frogbit was spotted in an unnamed stream in Oconto County.
The plant is known for its petite lily pad-like leaves and elusive white flower, originally inhabited Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It can look similar to white waterlily and water-shield.
European frogbit can form large colonies of dense floating mats that can dramatically affect native species and recreational activities, the DNR says. They can become dense enough to reduce light that native plants need and prohibit movement of large fish and ducks.
The nearest known wild population of European frogbit is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie.
“There are numerous ways that plants such as this get introduced,” said Amanda Smith, a DNR Invasive Species Specialist. “For this population in particular, movement by boats is likely as there is a nearby boat launch that is heavily used by boaters from throughout the Midwest who travel long distances to experience the Green Bay fishery. It is also possible that it was released from a water garden or aquarium since European frogbit was once a popular ornamental plant. Once introduced, natural dispersal is also possible given its ability to overwinter and spread rapidly.”
Removal efforts will begin in the coming days and will continue throughout the summer and subsequent years.
To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and plants, the public can do the following:
- Use native plant species whenever possible
- Bag and dispose of unwanted seeds or invasive plants in the trash, labeled “Approved for landfilling by DNR”
- Be on the lookout for invasive species
- Respond aggressively to rid your land of new invasive species
- Leave native trees and plants alone; natural landscapes offer the best defense
- When traveling on foot in natural areas, always brush boots and waders clean of seeds, mud and other debris
- Inspect boats, trailers and equipment for attached aquatic plants or animals
- Remove all attached plants or animals
- Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
- Never move live fish away from a waterbody
The public can report invasive species by following the instructions on the DNR website or email invasive.species@wisconsin.gov.
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