INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive New Zealand mudsnails have been found in Bear Creek in Kent County, marking the first detection in southern Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The Coldwater River Watershed Council discovered the snails during routine monitoring, with verification from Oakland University and Trout Unlimited. Michigan Invasive Species Program biologists are conducting additional sampling and working with local organizations to prevent further spread.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks detected a nonviable invasive mussel larva in Whitefish Lake on October 21, with follow-up testing showing no evidence of live mussels. FWP will continue monitoring with the City of Whitefish and Whitefish Lake Institute to prevent invasive mussel spread.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded to giant salvinia discovery near White Cliffs Public Use Area on the Little River. Matt Horton's rapid response team contained the invasive plant across 1,900 feet of shoreline, removing over 900 pounds, with plans for herbicide treatment and controlled burns to prevent spread to Millwood Lake.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department confirmed invasive zebra mussels in Lake Sakakawea's eastern portion after detecting larvae in routine sampling. Ben Holen, the department's aquatic nuisance species coordinator, reported two adult mussels near Highway 83 Embankment. Expanded surveys with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will assess the infestation's extent.

October is Firewood Month, when the Michigan Invasive Species Program partners with DontMoveFirewood.org to encourage residents to leave firewood at home. Untreated firewood can harbor pests like the emerald ash borer, oak wilt fungus, and spotted lanternfly that devastate forests. Michigan's new firewood certification program and External Firewood Quarantine beginning January 1, 2027, will require only heat-treated, certified firewood to enter the state.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists confirmed a live adult zebra mussel below Westwater Recreation Area on the Colorado River in September. The discovery follows earlier detection of zebra mussel DNA and represents an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems and water infrastructure. State agencies are coordinating response efforts and urging all boaters to clean, drain, and dry watercraft to prevent further spread.

Invasive red swamp crayfish were discovered in Cass County, Michigan for the first time, with two carcasses found by the SW x SW Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed the specimens, marking the seventh county with confirmed infestations since 2017.

Montana's aquatic invasive species inspection stations continue operating through October, with six of seventeen stations still active. Over 110,000 watercraft have been inspected this year, with 30 carrying mussels and 600 carrying weeds. AIS bureau chief Tom Woolf reports no new invasive mussel populations detected, maintaining Montana's invasive-mussel-free status.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges the public to watch for New World screwworm after a horse in Grant County, New Mexico tested positive on September 17, 2026. The USDA, New Mexico Livestock Board, and New Mexico Department of Agriculture are investigating. Early reporting of suspected cases to AZGFD at 623-236-7201 or the Arizona Department of Agriculture is critical for protecting wildlife and livestock.

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development added six plants to the state's invasive species list and implemented a firewood quarantine effective January 1, 2027. NotMISpecies webinars featuring MDARD officials Susie Iott, Katie Grzesiak, and Amber Neils will explain the new regulations and compliance requirements for businesses and consumers.

Starting the week of September 21, the Charcoal Segment of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area will close for approximately three days while Idaho Fish and Game applies herbicide via helicopter to treat invasive annual grasses including cheatgrass and medusahead rye, improving big game habitat and reducing wildfire risk.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission confirmed invasive zebra mussels at Bellevue's American Heroes Park Pond on September 8. The discovery was made during routine maintenance by City of Bellevue park staff. Kristopher Stahr, the aquatic invasive species program manager, noted the low spread risk due to boating restrictions and emphasized the importance of prevention efforts.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Michigan Invasive Species Program announced a new firewood quarantine effective January 1, 2027, prohibiting untreated firewood from entering Michigan. The quarantine exempts certified, heat-treated firewood and aligns Michigan with Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin in preventing invasive pest spread.

The Salmon-Challis National Forest, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game, will conduct low-level helicopter herbicide treatments beginning September 14 in the Hayden Creek drainage to combat invasive cheatgrass and noxious weeds following the 2023 Hayden Fire that burned over 24,000 acres.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds waterfowl hunters to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by cleaning decoys, drains, and equipment. Hunters must remove aquatic plants from gear, drain all water from boats and motors, and ensure motorized watercraft display required ANS stickers.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed a spotted lanternfly population in Berrien County through monitoring by the Southwest x Southwest Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. MDARD and Michigan State University Extension urge growers to remain vigilant, as the invasive pest can damage crops when populations are high, particularly in the region's grape-producing areas.

Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Division of Wildlife Resources technicians inspected 9,418 boats and performed 154 decontaminations over Labor Day weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. Lake Powell remains Utah's only waterbody infested with quagga mussels, though zebra mussel DNA was recently detected in the Colorado River.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources identified hydrilla, an invasive aquatic species, in Hardy Lake in July 2026. The public can help prevent its spread by cleaning equipment, draining water, and drying gear for five days before using it in different water bodies.

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are expanding the "Don't Move Firewood" campaign to prevent invasive species spread. MDARD Director Tim Boring and DNR Director Scott Bowen are working to certify Michigan firewood producers through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program, ensuring consumers have access to heat-treated, safe firewood options.

Brittle naiad, a highly invasive aquatic weed, was recently discovered in Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges waterfowl hunters to follow Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures to prevent spread of this and other aquatic invasive species.