The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program at Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is dedicated to preventing the spread of AIS through outreach, monitoring, and region-wide coordination throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native species (e.g. plants, animals, pathogens) that cause or are likely to cause economic, environmental, or human harm and live in water or wetlands.
Covering a 5 county area of Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties, Fox-Wolf’s AIS Prevention Program provides education about AIS impacts through presentations and at local events, trains volunteers to assist with sampling our local waters for AIS, as well as providing technical assistance to our communities on problematic AIS populations.
Due to the number of invasive species already established and the popularity of the waterways of Northeast Wisconsin to anglers and boaters from around the Midwest, containment of established invasive species (to prevent these species from reaching other bodies of water) and prevention of additional species from entering our waters are top priorities. By actively monitoring and conducting outreach to stop the spread of AIS, the AIS Prevention Program aims to protect the economic, recreational, and residential uses of our waterways that can be harmed by AIS.
Goals:
- Provide Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) education about AIS impacts and prevention
- Provide technical assistance to communities, stakeholders, and volunteers
- Monitor for AIS at access points through Fox-Wolf staff and volunteer efforts
Projects include:
- Expanding the network of volunteer citizens trained to monitor/report invasive species
- Conducting AIS prevention and education outreach to inform the public and encourage behavior change
- Amalgamating a comprehensive and effective Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program for our waters
- Implementing the approved AIS Strategic Plan for the Winnebago System
- Coordinating the Fox-Wolf’s Adopt-a-Launch Program
Request free AIS Outreach for your organization or event! Our AIS Coordinator has experience with school groups, clubs, library programs, and more! Your group will get up close and personal with some invasive species with our hands-on activities! Whether you need a presentation or an outreach table, Chris is experienced and ready to work with you!
Contact Chris at chris@fwwa.org or (920) 460-3674!