A.50. SUMMARY OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT IN WISCONSIN 
A.50.1. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
Wisconsin's Comprehensive Management Plan to Prevent Further Introductions and 
Control Existing Populations of Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species was published in 2003 
(see Appendix B, State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan Summaries for a general 
description of the Plan). 
A.50.2. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
• Aquatic Plant Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 
(WDNR). The program seeks to control efforts for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) and 
curlyleaf pondweed through weed harvesting or spot chemical treatment, as well as some 
biocontrol for EWM. 
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program, WDNR. The program conducts the 
following activities: (1) Watercraft Inspection, including the dissemination of 
information to anglers and boaters that identifies AIS and what precautions to take, visual 
inspection and demonstration of the proper steps to clean boats and equipment, and the 
installation of signs informing boaters of infestation status, state law, and steps to prevent 
spreading aquatic invasives; (2) Monitoring for zebra mussels (including collection of 
samples for veliger analyses and deployment of substrate samples), EWM (including 
inspection of watercraft or shorelines for invasive plants), spiny waterfleas, rusty 
crayfish, and curlyleaf pondweed; (3) Clean Boats, Clean Waters Volunteer Program (in 
cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Wisconsin Association 
of Lakes), which offers training on how to organize a watercraft inspection program, how 
to inspect boats and equipment, and how to interact with the public and encourages 
volunteers to help monitor for aquatic invasives; (4) Purple Loosestrife Biological 
Control (in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Extension), which is a citizen- 
based project that emphasizes the use of two beetle species for biocontrol, in combination 
with traditional methods, and conducts some mechanical harvesting and monitoring of 
impact; and (5) Information and Education (in cooperation with the University of 
Wisconsin-Extension and Wisconsin Sea Grant), with a focus on working with resource 
professionals and citizens statewide to teach water users the steps to prevent transporting 
aquatic invasives, as well as addressing aquarium pet release and water gardening 
(educational tools include brochures and publications, watch cards and wild cards, public 
service announcements, and displays at parks, sport shows, state fair, conventions and 
symposiums). 
• Invasive Species Awareness Month (June), WDNR in cooperation with various 
nongovernmental organizations. Workshops, field trips, lectures, and work parties are 
held statewide in June as part of Invasive Species Awareness Month for Wisconsin. 
Activities include AIS displays with handouts and experts on site. 
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