Target Invasive Species Mapping Project Update

Our interns Maizy and Autumn Finding Invasive Plants, Mapping Them for Future Treatment

Phase one of Fox-Wolf’s Target Invasive Mapping Project is well underway! The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is working with Stantec and other local partners in expanding a collaborative, multi-phase effort to map target invasive species. Our winter invasive species interns Maizy and Autumn are completing roadside surveys in Winnebago and parts of Waupaca counties. Check out the map to the right to see the current progress of Maizy and Autumn in Winnebago County! The blue lines are the county roads that have already been driven and scouted for invasive species. Amazing progress so far!

Mapping populations of Phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and other invasive species is an important step toward successful management of these species. While it may seem counterintuitive to map plants during the winter, the target species are most easily identifiable during winter. 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.

Our invasive mapping 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 the winter invasive species 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.