POSTER PRESENTER #8 CO-AUTHOR: Matt Puz, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources TITLE: European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) in Wisconsin ABSTRACT: European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae; EFB) is an aquatic invasive species originally from Europe and northeastern Asia. EFB is a free-floating species with small heart-shaped leaves arranged in a floating rosette with white flowers that are short-lived. It was deemed invasive based on its ability to form large dense mats, especially in calm or slow-moving waterbodies, thereby negatively impacting recreation, the economy, and ecology. For this reason, it was legally classified as a Prohibited invasive species in Wisconsin per Wis. Admin. Code NR 40, which makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer, or introduce certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. In 2021, the first population of EFB was documented in several nearshore coastal areas of the Bay of Green Bay. In response to this infestation, a Response Team formed that has been working to control existing populations, detect new populations early in the invasion stage, prevent the spread through outreach, and expand knowledge of this species by supporting research opportunities. To date, the Team has carried out nearly 100 early detection surveys, conducted pre/post-treatment monitoring at 33 sites, manually removed over 5,000 lbs of EFB from 80 acres of previously infested sites! Wetlands provide exceptionally suitable habitat for EFB and managing potential invasion pathways including waterfowl hunters, boaters, and natural resource professionals play a critical role in preventing the spread. Visit our poster to learn more about how you can contribute to the response effort and how this species is impacting wetlands. BIO: Amanda Smith is the Northeast Region Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR based out of the Green Bay office. She is responsible for leading response efforts to NR 40 Prohibited & other locally significant AIS. Additionally, her role supports AIS prevention by overseeing the development and implementation of invasion pathway strategies and related Surface Water Grant Program grant projects.