FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 2, 2024
Contact: Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Invasive Plant Specialist
[email protected]  or 608-206-4561

Invasive Species Council Announces Nominations
Now Open For 21st Annual Invasive
Species Action Awards

Individuals And Groups Honored For Work Managing Invasive Species

Recognize an individual, group or organization that’s been working to prevent the spread of invasive species here in Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council is accepting nominations for the 21st annual Invasive Species Action Awards now through Feb. 16, 2025.

Award recipients are Wisconsin residents and organizations that have made significant contributions to preventing, controlling or eradicating invasive species that harm Wisconsin's native wildlife, wetlands, forests, prairies, lakes and rivers. Nominees can be individuals, groups or organizations that have demonstrated exemplary efforts to address issues surrounding terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, an advisory council to the DNR, presents Invasive Species Action Awards for both volunteer and professional categories. A panel of judges selected by the council will review the nomination materials and select the award winners. All nominators and winners will be notified in April, followed by an award recognition ceremony in June to celebrate Invasive Species Action Month.

To submit a nomination, download and fill out the form available on the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council's webpage. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Feb. 16, 2025.

Invasive species are nonnative plants and animals that cause ecological or economic harm, and some can affect human health. Once an invasive species is established in an area, it can be challenging to control.

Wisconsinites are encouraged to protect native plants and wildlife from invasive species by avoiding moving them or the materials that might harbor them to new places. To learn more about preventing the spread, visit the DNR’s Invasive Species Prevention webpage.