Target Invasive Species Mapping Project Kicks Off at Fox-Wolf

Invasive Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed Populations To Be Mapped in Winnebago and Waupaca Counties

For many years, populations of invasive Phragmites and Japanese knotweed have been increasing throughout Northeast Wisconsin. With severe consequences to native ecosystems, waterways, and property owners and managers, these invasive plants degrade ecosystems by crowding out native plants and creating dense monocultures that threaten critical bird and wildlife habitats. Additionally, dense stands restrict human use of our lakes, waterways and wetlands. Phragmites and Japanese knotweed invasion is facilitated, inadvertently, through actions such as ornamental planting, mowing and other maintenance activities, which spread stem fragments and/or seed along roadways or at construction sites.

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is expanding a collaborative, multi-phase effort to map target invasive species by completing roadside surveys within the four-county region of Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca and Brown counties. In the next few months, our hired interns will begin the first phase of this project by conducting roadside surveys across Winnebago and parts of Waupaca counties. Mapping of these invasive populations of Phragmites and Japanese knotweed is an important step toward successful management of these species. While it may seem counterintuitive to map plants during the winter, these two species are most easily identifiable during winter. This project will address threats by creating a Phragmites and Japanese knotweed specific management plan detailing control strategies for these species. The plan will be informed by mapping efforts, which will be completed in phases. Once the plan is in place, grant funds will be secured to initiate treatment for both species across the multi-county region.

Phase one will be completed in winter 2021-spring 2022 and phases two and three will be completed contingent on successful acquisition of future grant funds.