The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has asked the public to take steps to keep from spreading invasive species in June, which is Invasive Species Action Month, and all year long.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and diseases that cause environmental or economic harm, or pose threats to human health. There are many species that are already widespread in the state, while others may pose a large risk if they are introduced and become established here.

The state’s invasive species rule makes it unlawful to transport, transfer, introduce or possess certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. The regulations designate which species are restricted or prohibited based on factors that include the degree of harm they may cause, the extent of their presence in the state, the potential for controlling the species and the socio-economic value a species may hold.

To prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species, the Wisconsin DNR encourages reporting them when found and offers these tips:

Hiking and camping —

— Stay on designated trails, roads and other developed areas to avoid tracking invasive species to new locations.

— Inspect clothing, shoe treads and pets for dirt, mud and seeds. Removing the material when entering or exiting natural areas.

— Follow Wisconsin’s firewood rules, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/firewood, to avoid moving harmful invasive pests and pathogens such as emerald ash borer, spongy moths and oak wilt disease.

Fishing and boating —

— Clean all recreational equipment and gear after every use to protect Wisconsin’s waters from fish diseases and aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails and freshwater golden clams. Inspect gear for dirt, mud, seeds and other debris, removing as much as possible by scrubbing and rinsing before launching and before leaving the landing.

— Drain all water from gear and compartments before leaving the waterbody.

— Dry gear for at least five days between uses to help eliminate invasive organisms.

— Never move live fish away from any waterbody. Fish are considered dead if on ice and not in water.

Gardening and leisure —

— Add beauty and variety to your yard with plants that are noninvasive. Native plants are excellent choices, since they also benefit pollinators, birds and other wildlife. The DNR’s Plant Native Plants webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/nativeplants is a great resource to get started.

— Learn how to identify and remove potential problem plants from your property, including Bishop’s goutweed, burning bush, creeping bellflower, Dame’s rocket, Amur honeysuckle, water hyacinth and water lettuce.

— When using non-native crayfish for crayfish boils, use frozen (not live) crayfish or rusty crayfish harvested from Wisconsin waterbodies.

Volunteering and education —

— If in Wisconsin, connect with Wisconsin Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, local or regional organizations in Wisconsin that bring together landowners and land managers to coordinate action and share expertise and resources to manage invasive species.

— Sign up for emails about local State Natural Area volunteer workdays to clear brush, remove invasive species and help maintain the state’s natural landscapes.

— Sign up for updates and information from the DNR about invasive species and Wisconsin’s regulations.

— Attend an event during the second-annual Invasive Species Awareness Weekend on June 20-21. Events such as guided hikes, educational workshops, invasive species workdays and more will take place around Wisconsin. These events are free, though some may require a vehicle admission pass, and open to the public. To find an event, check out the Invasive Species Events and Volunteering page online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/eventsandvolunteering.

— Attend Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day, a statewide one-day event now set for Aug. 8 that connects volunteers, water lovers and local conservation groups in a search for aquatic invasive species. For more information, go online to https://wav.extension.wisc.edu/events/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-2026/.

To learn more ways to prevent invasive species from getting established, go to the Wisconsin DNR’s website, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives.

A reminder, the local invasive species group Roots and Rivers — a non-profit group based in Kingsford that formerly was known as Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition — will host its first Conservation Celebration under the new name from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Wolf River Rendezvous Campsites and Cottages, 11624 U.S. 8 in Crandon, Wis.

This group handles invasive species management and education across a five-county area on both sides of the border — Dickinson and Menominee counties in Michigan as well as Marinette, Florence and Forest counties in Wisconsin.

The event will offer updates, networking and a silent auction.

It is free to attend, with the option to purchase a lunch ticket. To register, go online to WRISC.org/events.