Invasive Species Information:
Awareness, Identification, Prevention, and Control
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to Michigan’s economy, environment, or human health.
common reed (a.k.a. phragmites), phragmites australis
Many non-native or introduced species, such as fruits, vegetables, field crops, livestock, and domestic animals, are beneficial to our economy or lifestyle. However, non-native species that cause negative ecological, economic, social or public health impacts are categorized as invasive. Once established, invasive species often out-compete native species for limited resources such as food,
light, or water; alter and damage existing habitat; displace native species; and in some cases prey directly upon native species. Their impacts are found in our waterways, along our roadsides, in our wilderness areas and in both rural and urban communities. Invasive species are typically extremely difficult to eradicate, so prevention is key! Read on to learn about different resources available for identifying, preventing, and controlling invasive species.
Resources for learning more about invasive species and their control:
Species Specific Information (alphabetical by common name):
light, or water; alter and damage existing habitat; displace native species; and in some cases prey directly upon native species. Their impacts are found in our waterways, along our roadsides, in our wilderness areas and in both rural and urban communities. Invasive species are typically extremely difficult to eradicate, so prevention is key! Read on to learn about different resources available for identifying, preventing, and controlling invasive species.
Resources for learning more about invasive species and their control:
- Michigan Invasive Species (State Website)
- Invasive Species Watchlist: Species either have never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have a limited known distribution. If you see a species on the watch list, please report the occurrence!
- Prohibited and Restricted Species: Learn which species are legally prohibited under Michigan law.
- NotMiSpecies Webinar Series: Register to attend webinars or watch recordings covering invasive species identification, prevention, and control.
- Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative (Regional/Great Lakes)
- Learn to identify common reed/phragmites, track and map it, ask questions of experts and professionals, and learn about best management practices for removal and post-treatment restoration.
- Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) (Regional) - Note some features below require creating an account
- Species Information Sheets
- Report Invasive Species
- Training Modules - learn how to a identify a specific species in the field
- Michigan Specific Invasive Species Info
- National Invasive Species Information Center
- Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (JLW CISMA) (Local/Tri-County)
Species Specific Information (alphabetical by common name):
- common buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica
- common reed or phragmities - Phragmites australis
- Japanese knotweed - Fallopia japonica (Polygonum cuspidatum)
- Japanese stiltgrass - Microstegium vimineum
- oak wilt, caused by a fungus - Bretziella fagacearum
- spongy moth - Lymantria dispar (formerly Gypsy Moth)
Did you know an Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permit from EGLE (formerly MDEQ) may be required for invasive species treatment involving herbicide in or near standing water? Learn if you need to apply by reading FAQ #1 from EGLE.
