Visitors to Michigan State Parks are invited to participate in an early detection and rapid response initiative to find and control three unwanted invasive plants that are just beginning to invade many state parks.  This summer Japanese knotweed , black swallow-wort and garlic mustard are being targeted.  With many visitors looking, the very first invading plants can be found and reported so that rapid control can prevent widespread establishment.  Early detection and rapid response of invasive species is the most effective control method.  

What is an invasive plant?
Invasive plants are typically non-native, rapidly reproducing species which threaten the integrity of natural areas.  Once established in an area, invasive species can have devastating effects. Finding and treating invasive plants as soon as they appear saves time and money on future efforts.

How are they harmful?
Invasive species change the ecosystems in fundamental ways.  Invasive plants out compete native plants and limit the number of plant species that grow in an area.  Not only are the native plants lost but the native insects, birds and other wildlife that were dependent on the native plants for survival are lost as well. Without a balanced food-web of native plants and animals, natural communities are altered, increasing the likelihood of negative impacts such as soil erosion and sedimentation.  Even forest regeneration may be compromised.  Once the natural community has been disturbed, many recreational activities, such as bird watching, biking, hiking and hunting, are compromised as well.

Why Japanese knotweed, black swallow-wort and garlic mustard?                            
Japanese knotweed and black swallow-wort have proven harmful to forests and floodplains in the Eastern US but have not been widely established in Michigan. Garlic mustard is equally destructive.  Garlic mustard has already spread throughout much of Michigan's southern lower peninsula, but is just now invading the northern lower and upper peninsula.  Early detection and rapid control of these species will help protect the natural heritage of Michigan State Parks.

How you can help with early detection?
The following choices
1. Report possible sightings in a state park by filling out the Unwanted Plants Detection Card .  You can mail or email it to the addresses below.
2. You can also mark the location of detected plants on a park visitor map, or take their GPS coordinates.  Mail, email or fax the park map or GPS coordinates with the detection card (from above).
3. Report sightings at www.MISIN.msu.edu  

You can also help prevent the spread of invasive plants by cleaning your boots, clothes and other equipment before entering or leaving a park.

Our Rapid Response
After reports are received, treatment areas will be prioritized and responded to by DNR staff.  The State Park Stewardship Unit employs AmeriCorps crews , hires contractors and hosts volunteer workdays  to lessen the impacts of invasive plants, such as garlic mustard, while restoring the natural habitat in high quality areas within state parks.

Contact:
Lindsay Ross
MDNR - Parks and Recreation Division
PO Box 30257
Lansing, MI 48909-7757

fax: 517-373-4625
email: DNR-RecreationFeedback@michigan.gov