Invasive Species

 Japanese Knotweed is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of  the world’s worst invasive species. It grows from 5 to 10 feet in height. The flowers are numerous clusters of small greenish-white  petals. Japanese knotweed has an alternate spade or heart shaped leaf  arrangement. It blooms in early August through September.

Japanese  Knotweed is a threat because it grows quickly and forms a thick,  impenetrable bush. A bush so thick it obscures access to pathways and  waterways. It kills native plants and grasses. Loss of native species could increase riverbank erosion and severely alter the natural ecosystem. It cracks road ways, pavement and cement which can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. Japanese Knotweed is spread by  seeds and rhizomes, or underground stems. It invades new areas by stem and root fragments. Fragments are transported by water and people who  unknowingly transfer it to new sites in fill dirt. It can reproduce from a fragment the size of a fingernail. To prevent its spread, NEVER buy, sell or plant Japanese Knotweed. If cutting or mowing it, properly dispose of it by bagging it or burning it. DO NOT COMPOST! Always clean construction equipment to avoid moving soil with seeds or fragments.  Funding for this project has been provided by MISGP (Michigan Invasive  Species Grant Program). 

 The Iron Baraga Conservation District recognizes Phragmites as a species  of concern. Phragmites is a plant similar to bamboo that grows 10-15 feet in height. The leaves are lanced shaped and 8-16 inches long. It has flowers that are light purple to brownish in color. The flowers  bloom mid to late summer and look similar to wheat. Later in summer, the  flowers will appear grayer due to the growth of long, silky hairs. Phragmites threatens our beaches by blocking access to swimming areas. It blocks beautiful shoreline views and decreases property  values. It offers no food or shelter to marsh dependent wildlife. It destroys the pool habitats of fish. It pushes out native animals and kills plants by producing harmful chemicals which attack the vulnerable plants and seedlings. Each fall the plant dies, creating very dry  vegetation which could cause fast spreading fires. It spreads by seeds  and underground stems or rhizomes. In favorable conditions, it can spread up to 16 feet or more in one year. Funding for this project has  been provided by MISGP (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program). 

 The Iron Baraga Conservation District deems Starry Stonewort a species of concern. Starry Stonewort has whorls of 4-6 inches long, and uneven length branches along the main stem. It anchors itself using a colorless filament resembling fish line. This filament contains several star shaped bulbils. It reproduces by these bulbils. Starry stonewort can reach 6 feet in length and can grow at depths of up to 29 feet.

Starry  Stonewort may look like a rooted aquatic plant but it is actually a grass-like form of algae. It infests lakes, rivers, streams and ponds. It forms dense mats that cover lake bottoms and surfaces. It grows so dense it can form what appears to be an underwater wall. It can reduce  fish spawning habitats and competes with native vegetation. Starry Stonewort is spread unintentionally by its bulbils and fragments that get attached to boats, trailers, anchors, and other water related  equipment. Always remove vegetation and animals from boats, trailers and  equipment. Using the Clean, Drain and Dry methods on trailers, boats  and equipment will help prevent the spread of this invasive to uninfected waters. Funding for this project has been provided by MISGP  (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program). 

 The Iron Baraga Conservation District recognizes Eurasian Watermilfoil as a species of concern. Eurasian Watermilfoil has delicate, feathery leaves and it usually has 12-21 leaflet pairs per leaf. The leaves are in whorls or circles of 3 to 5 off the stem. The leaves are limp when out of the water and it is found in water less than 20 feet deep.

Eurasian  watermilfoil was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant. It is  considered by many to be one of the worst aquatic weeds in North America. It forces out important native aquatic plants needed for a balanced environment and hearty, healthy fish population. Eurasian  watermilfoil spreads rapidly through stem fragments and underground  runners. It can form massive, bulky stands of entangled stems and  extensive mats of vegetation on the surface of the water.  This can  interfere with water recreation such as boating, swimming and fishing.

      People can do a lot to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil. If you find it, report it to your local DNR or your local Conservation District. To prevent introducing Eurasian watermilfoil into other lakes, engage in Clean, Drain and Dry. Clean your boat, trailer, anchor and  all recreational equipment of all plant materials. Drain all water from boat motors, live well and bilge. Dry your boat and equipment after washing it in hot (140 degrees) water. You can also leave your boat and  equipment in the sun for at least 5 days before heading to a different  body of water. Funding for this project has been provided by MISGP  (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program). 

 The Iron Baraga Conservation District views Jumping Worm to be a species  of growing concern. The jumping worm usually grows 3 to 5 inches in length but can grow up to 7 inches. It has a white smooth band around body instead of puffy raised one. It is brown to grayish black in color and behaves more like a snake. The jumping worm can slither and thrash around when handled and can even appear to jump into the air. The jumping worm is popular as fishing bait due to the fact it thrashes around and attracts fish. It is also used in gardens to improve garden soil. When let loose in our forests, the jumping worm completely changes the soil and disturbs the natural composition of leaf debris on the forest floor. They turn good, healthy soil into dry, grainy worm poop that cannot support the plants in our forests. They reproduce quickly and asexually, meaning they can reproduce on their own, without a mate. The adult jumping worm cannot survive the winter but their cocoons can. The worms or cocoons can be accidentally introduced to a new environment through  potted plants, nursery stock or soil. To prevent the spread of the jumping worm, only use, plant or purchase plants that appear to be free of jumping worms. Only use compost that has been heated to appropriate temperatures in order to kill the worms. Funding for this project has  been provided by MISGP (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program). 

The Iron Baraga Conservation District considers European Frog-bit a species of concern. European Frog-bit is a floating plant that resembles  a miniature water lily. It has heart shaped leaves about the size of a quarter or 50 piece. It has a small, white flower with 3 petals and the leaves are spongy so they can float on the surface of the water. The root system hangs down into the water but rarely secures itself to the bottom. European Frog-Bit is a fast growing plant that becomes entwined with other vegetation and frog-bit roots to create a dense mat on the surface of the water. It restricts fishing and waterfowl hunting. It hinders the movement of big fish and diving ducks because there is not enough space, between the plants, for them to get through. It obstructs boating by tangling around boat propellers so the boat cannot move. It limits other recreational uses of waterways and can block drainage canals and streams. European Frog-Bit reproduces mainly by turions, which are buds. A single plant can produce 100-150 turions in a season. The turion breaks off and sinks to the bottom where it lies dormant during the winter. In the spring, it rises to the surface and begins to  grow. These turions can also break off and stow away on boats, trailers and equipment. If not properly cleaned, it can be transported to and can infect a new body of water. Always CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat, trailer and equipment before entering a new body of water to prevent the  spread of this invasive species. Funding for this project has been  provided by MISGP (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program).