KISMA battles Keweenaw invasive species: how you can help
Renowned for lush forests teeming with diverse wildlife, the Keweenaw is a precious reserve to many. From the birds who roost in tall trees to the fish swimming in the streams and lakes – it’s all connected. Ecosystems are generally stable, but the introduction of an invasive species could cause irreversible consequences. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what may latch on behind you on the water or in the woods.
Invasive species like zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and European frogbit can easily spread between locations by latching onto objects we use for recreation. Aquatic hitchhikers can attach to your boat in the water, and on land you can pick up invasive plant seeds with your shoes or tires.
KISMA workers in the field working. Photo courtesy of KISMA
Even remote destinations like Isle Royale can be affected by invasive species. In 2009, zebra mussels were first documented on Isle Royale. According to the National Park Service, an infestation of more than 3,000 were discovered in 2018 on a dock at Mott Island, part of Isle Royale. The infestation was removed manually by divers. Zebra mussels naturally prefer hard surfaces to attach to and live on.
Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA) is a group with a mitigation mission supported through Michigan Tech University and various nature conservation organizations. KISMA covers Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, helping groups and landowners prevent and manage invasive species. The group works to foster native aquatic and terrestrial communities.
“Isle Royale did the awesome thing of jumping on it,” said Sigrid Resh, KISMA Coordinator and Michigan Tech University research assistant professor in forest ecology. “But the park realized it came in on a boat. So, they bought a mobile boat wash and partnered with KISMA.”
KISMA provides a mobile boat wash service throughout the Keweenaw, visiting popular boating spots during the summer season. The group offers advice and washes boats at various waterways, including Michigan State Parks, the Portage River Harbor and the Lake Linden Marina. The spots are targeted toward reaching boaters and encourage people to learn about the effects of invasives.
“We travel around with this boat launch and we are reaching out to people to encourage them, especially if they’re moving from one lake to another lake to wash in between,” said Resh.
In fact, KISMA recommends people wash their boat and let it dry for a week to better ensure you kill anything living on your vessel.
“Aquatic invasives will easily cling to propellers, or when you back your trailer into a boat launch,” said Resh. “You’re going to get a variety of different sea weeds. All of those are different plants and only some of those are native. Spreading those invasive fragments is what leads to an infestation.”
KISMA member sprays down a boat, clearing it from aquatic hitchhikers. Photo courtesy of KISMA.
KISMA helps the public wash their boats and attends Copper Country farmer’s markets to spread information and educate the public about invasives. It also works with private parties to stop aquatic and terrestrial invasives.
“We’ll go to private landowners and explain to them what invasives they have in their yard if we see them,” said Evan Andrews, KISMA terrestrial crew supervisor. “We’ll identify the problem that invasive has in their yard and the ecosystem around them. If we have time, we will manage them for them or tell them how to manage them. We’re spreading knowledge and taking care of the problem.”
Through the week of July 24, KISMA is coordinating its Swedetown Goat Project. This brings in more than 30 goats to browse on eight acres of high density glossy buckthorn, a high-priority invasive species growing in the Keweenaw. Swedetown has an infestation of the buckthorn (frangula alnus) which competes with natural growth and overtakes certain areas.
This study will assess the effectiveness of goats as a management tool for a dominant woody invasive in the area (glossy buckthorn). It will also measure ecosystem changes relative to invaded but unmanaged forests and to minimally invaded forests nearby over three years of goat browsing. The partnership is between KISMA, Calumet Township and the Swedetown Trails Club. It’s funded partly by the Swedetown Trails Club and Michigan Tech from the USDS Forest Service.
The goats are from Regenerative Ruminants, owned by Jake and Brigid Williams from Poplar, Wisconsin. The goats will graze for two weeks in the summer for three consecutive years.
KISMA encourages people to be vigilant about their habits that can lead to the spread of invasive species. Keep these best tips in mind when you’re on the water or recreating outdoors.
Do not transport firewood. Invasive and destructive insects like the emerald ash borer can live in the wood. They destroy ash trees by burrowing inside, laying eggs and then those babies feed on the insides.
Use boot brushes and wash off your bike tires. If you’re hiking/walking/biking through forests, your soles or wheels may be picking up invasive travelers. Seeds may stick to your tread and carry undesirable species a great distance. Scrub or rinse them off after a session in the outdoors. Many of these are nearly too small to notice with a quick glance.
Clean your campers before big trips. The spotted lantern fly and spongey moth both can lay eggs on the sides of your camper. Give your camper a good wash and leave it to dry. Egg masses can look like chewing gum or a splotch of orange cotton.
Like planting greenery or flowers around your vacation home in the summer? Make sure you research the Keweenaw’s native plants and try to pick those. If you bring exotic or invasive species to the area, they could spread via the wind or birds carrying seeds miles from your original plant.
Learn more at local farmer’s markets! If you see the KISMA booth, stop and say hi and learn more about the importance of managing invasive species in the Keweenaw.
Visit Keweenaw wants everyone to be mindful of how they can affect the spread of invasive species. Visitors are always encouraged to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace in the Keweenaw. Keep an eye out for KISMA’s boat washes at Twin Lakes State Park
