Look out for new aquatic invasive plants



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"News Release"



Sept. 13, 2024
Contact: Kevin Walters <[email protected]>, 616-250-8637, or Joanne Foreman <[email protected]> 517-284-5814

Hunters: Remember to 'Clean. Drain. Dry.' to protect waterfowl habitat

With the recent discovery of two new invasive aquatic plants in Michigan, the Michigan Invasive Species Program is asking waterfowl hunters across the state to take extra precautions this season to prevent the spread of invasive species.

A mass of invasive hydrilla, an aquatic plant, held just above the water's surface.

Hydrilla [ [link removed] ], considered one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, was found in private ponds in southwest Michigan in fall 2023. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is working with landowners to eradicate the infestation. This month, a hydrilla detection in Ontario, Canada [ [link removed] ] forced the closure of a portion of the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area popular with waterfowl hunters.



A stand of Glyceria maxima in flower, showing the height and the seed heads.

Glyceria maxima [ [link removed] ] (also known as rough mannagrass) an invasive plant similar to phragmites, has been found in the Dollarville Flooding in Newberry. The Department of Natural Resources is working with the Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area to manage the infestation.

In addition to these new invasive plants, concern remains about the spread of European frog-bit [ [link removed] ] and invasive phragmites [ [link removed] ]. All four species tend to grow in slow-moving waters – just the kind of places that ducks and geese flock to.



Invasive phragmites and Glyceria maxima are tall reed-like grasses that outcompete native species along shorelines and in shallow waters and block access for humans and wildlife.

A mass of European frog-bit floating on the water with some small, white, three petaled flowers in bloom.

Both European frog-bit and hydrilla create thick mats of vegetation that can hamper the movement of diving ducks and reduce the availability of snails, mollusks and other food sources.

Plants can get caught in boat motors and gear, making it harder to navigate prime hunting areas.

Infestations can spread to new water bodies when plant fragments, rhizomes (root structures) or small, seed-like turions attach to boats, trailers, gear and even dogs.



To protect Michigan’s waterfowl habitat, hunters are asked to take the following precautions:


* *CLEAN* equipment (including waders, decoys, straps, anchors, boats, and trailers) thoroughly between trips to keep from transporting undesirable plant fragments, seeds or organisms from one site to another.
* *DRAIN* all water from boats, trailers and equipment.
* *DRY* boats, gear and equipment for 5 days (if possible) before transporting to another waterbody.
* *Inspect* all gear and equipment before and after use, including anchors, decoys and lines, blinds, waders and clothing. Remove any plants, debris or soils.

Remember that Michigan boating laws [ [link removed] ] require boaters to pull plugs, drain water and remove plants and debris from boats and trailers before getting on the road.

Hunters are encouraged to use synthetic materials to camouflage boats and blinds or choose known native species like cedar to avoid accidental selection of invasive plants.

A helpful video, Invasive species: Phragmites and waterfowl hunters [ [link removed] ], and more information about invasive species can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives [ [link removed] ].

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"Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources."

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*Note to editors:* Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. 

Hydrilla plants [ [link removed] ]: Invasive hydrilla is considered one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants. Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Glyceria maxima [ [link removed] ]: A tall stand of Glyceria maxima (rough mannagrass) at the Dollarville Flooding in Newberry.

Frog-bit [ [link removed] ]: European frog-bit, which resembles miniature water lilies, can develop thick mats that prevent access and crowd out native vegetation.

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