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Controlling Invasives

Throughout Wisconsin, invasive species are making use of the Ice Age Trail increasingly difficult and less aesthetic. Invasive plants overgrow the Trail, making passage and Trail maintenance difficult. Some invasive plants adversely affect human health, such as those with prickly stems and thorns that cut exposed skin. Others produce chemicals that can cause severe skin burns and eye irritations. Invasive plants often out-compete native wildflowers and other plants, eliminating photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities. Infestation of invasive species often lowers biodiversity of natural areas, resulting in less healthy ecosystems, loss of wildlife habitat and reduced quality of experiences.

Ice Age Trail users have the potential for spreading invasive species. When people leave the Trail, this potential increases as the resulting disturbance may favor invasive species. Ice Age Trail users should follow these Best Management Practices to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive species:

• Learn to recognize invasive species common to the Ice Age Trail.
• Stay out of heavily infested areas.
• Wear clothing and footwear that are not "seed-friendly".
• For both you and your pet, inspect and clean hair, clothing, footwear and gear for soils, seeds, plant parts or invertebrates before and after using the Ice Age Trail. Carefully dispose of soil, seeds, plant parts or invertebrates found during inspection and cleaning.
• Minimize natural-environment disturbance by staying on the Trail.
• Report infestations of invasive species to the appropriate land manager or property owner.
• Volunteer to help control invasive species.
• Spread the word – help educate others about invasive species and their effects on our environment, economy and recreational opportunities.
• Don’t pick plants.
• When feasible, incorporate invasive species prevention into planning for special events such as organized hikes.

For more information on controlling invasives, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Invasive Species web page and UW-Stevens Point's web page on potential new invasives in Wisconsin.