Wisconsin boaters interested in stopping the spread of invasive species in the state's waters can take part in dozens of events as part of the state's Invasive Species Awareness Month.
They may join in more than 75 events in an effort to control invasive species already here and learn more about preventing new ones from arriving.
The events vary widely and include formal lectures, field days, radio and television programs, awards ceremonies, hikes, canoe floats, work parties and an art show opening.
"Gov. Jim Doyle has recognized June as Invasive Species Awareness Month and as an opportunity for all of us to join forces and take action against the introduction and spread of invasive species," Rachel Orwan, who coordinates the awareness month for the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species, said in a statement.
Invasive species are not native to Wisconsin. But they have been accidentally or purposefully introduced to the state from other U.S. regions or countries. Free of the predators and diseases that kept them in check in their homeland, invasive species can spread and crowd out native species in forests, lakes, prairies and other landscapes, harming these ecosystems and taking a toll on the recreation and industries the ecosystems support.
invasivespecies.wi.gov
