INVASIVE SPECIES

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.

Zebra mussel DNA fragments were detected in Utah's Colorado River for the first time, prompting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and partner agencies to urge boaters to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species. The U.S. Geological Survey analyzed water samples collected near the Potash Boat Ramp, with four of 22 samples testing positive for zebra mussel DNA.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are urging the public to inspect trees for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle during August Tree Check Month. The destructive beetle attacks hardwood trees and infestations are fatal; residents can report sightings to the ALB hotline at 866-702-9938.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners announced 2026 Florida Python Challenge results, with 907 participants from 30 states, Canada, and Vietnam removing 280 invasive Burmese pythons. Ultimate Grand Prize winner Tom Rahill removed 96 pythons, while Rahm Levinson caught the longest python at 16 feet, 5 inches.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Lakeside Laboratory discovered and treated Eurasian watermilfoil in West Okoboji Lake's canal system south of Miller's Bay. Fisheries biologist Andrew Carlson emphasized swift action using herbicide treatment to protect the aquatic ecosystem. The DNR urges boaters to follow Clean, Drain, Dry protocols to prevent spread of invasive aquatic plants.

Mile-a-minute weed has been confirmed in Jackson County's Concord Township following a landowner report to the Michigan Invasive Species Program. The Jackson, Lenawee, Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and BCK CISMA are conducting surveys and herbicide treatment, with support from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and South Florida Water Management District, begins July 10 and runs through July 19. Participants can compete for $25,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, while helping remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. Registration remains open through the final day of competition.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has restored the 116-acre Rosenow Timber in Shelby County by removing invasive honeysuckle and using controlled burns to promote oak forest growth. Wildlife biologist Doug Chafa reports that woodland plants like wild ginger and Virginia water leaf have returned, providing habitat for turkeys, deer, and migrating birds.