Two Presentations: 1) After Phragmites: Effects of Multi-Year Herbicide Treatment in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan Basin 2) Sniffing for Snails: Using K9s for the Early Detection of New Zealand Mudsnails in Wisconsin
Stream: Aquatic Invasive Species
2:35 PM - 3:15 PMThu
Stonefield/Harvest
Stream: Aquatic Invasive Species
Registration Required
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Presentation #1: After Phragmites: Effects of Multi-Year Herbicide Treatment in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan Basin
To ameliorate non-native Phragmites spread and promote native species, the Wisconsin DNR conducted GLRI-funded herbicide treatments from 2014 – 2020 across Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Basin. Thousands of sites were enrolled in the program, receiving variable treatment. In 2021, WDNR monitored the effectiveness of this multi-year treatment and observed whether differences in native plant community response resulted from ease of accessibility (road, hydro, or wetland) or the years in which treatment occurred (treatment sequence). Species richness and FQIs were calculated for quality comparisons among 90 selected sites. ‘Wetland’ sites had the highest mean species richness and FQI, followed by ‘hydro’ and lastly, ‘road’ sites. Sites with greater spray counts and initial area had higher species richness and FQIs and no differences associated with treatment sequence. Initial results suggest Phragmites¬ management should be approached at a landscape-scale that prioritizes patch size and utilizes seeding and planting techniques that promote post-treatment native plant growth.
Presenter: Matt Puz
Presentation #2: Sniffing for Snails: Using K9s for the Early Detection of New Zealand Mudsnails in Wisconsin
Fishing license sales spiked throughout Wisconsin during the pandemic, raising concern that anglers and recreationalists may be unknowingly transporting aquatic invasive species (AIS) via recreational gear to new locations. New Zealand mudsnail (NZMS; an NR-40 prohibited species) is known to be present in several south-central WI streams. Early detection of these snails is key to keeping new populations in check and protecting Wisconsin’s waterways.
Presenters: Ellen Voss & Laura Holder