other Invasive Species

other Invasive Species


Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that have the potential to become established in an ecosystem, spread widely, and cause ecological or economic harm or even pose a risk to human health.

Lake St. Clair CISMA Events & information The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a collaborative effort to enhance ecosystem functions and enrich ecosystem services through invasive species prevention, detection, management, and outreach in Macomb and St. Clair counties of Michigan.

Click on the links below for information on some Michigan invasive species.

Invasive Species 101 (PDF)
Water Lettuce
Red Swamp Crayfish
Spongy Moths formerly Gypsy Moths 
Forest Pests
Woody invasives
New Zealand Mud Snail










Water Lettuce (DO NOT EAT)

Once established, it spreads via boats, waterfowl, and water currents. It is known to form large infestations in lakes, rivers, and canals, and it can prevent boating, fishing, and other uses of waterways. Water lettuce is of concern because of its popularity as a water gardening plant and availability through retail and Internet sources.

Habitat: Found in ponds, lakes, ditches, slow-moving or still water.

Monitoring and rapid response: Hand-pulling for small infestations; mechanical chopping/harvesting.

Sources: MSU “A Michigan Boater’s Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants” bulletin E-3189 May 2013, and Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)

 WaterLettuce



















RED SWAMP CRAYFISH

RedSwampCrayfishCISMA RED SWAMP CRAYFISH SURVEY JUNE - AUGUST 2021
The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area or CISMA was awarded Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program funding to perform Red Swamp Crayfish survey and trapping efforts. Surveys will be implemented June - August, 2021 in these priority areas once permissions are in place. If you reside in a priority area, please provide landowner permissions for accessing your site through this form.  All of the work will be conducted at no cost to the landowner and will remain within the drains, ponds, and lakes. Baited traps will be set underwater at a density of 1 trap per 25 meters of shoreline and will stay in each location for 2-3 nights, with the CISMA checking the traps daily. If RSC are found, the traps will be baited and set again. If no RSC are found after 2-3 nights, then the traps will be moved to a new location. 


Red swamp crayfish compete aggressively with native crayfish species for food and habitat. Feeding behavior reduces the amount of available habitat for amphibians, invertebrates, and juvenile fish. Burrowing and foraging behavior can also lead to summer cyanobacteria blooms and eutrophic conditions.


More information on Red Swamp Crayfish visit Michigan.gov/invasives

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SPONGY MOTHS (formerly GYPSY MOTHS)

Gypsy Moth

For more information, contact the MSU Extension Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 or visit the following websites:

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Trees_tall
IDENTIFYING FOREST PESTS
Spotted Lanternfly,
Asian Longhorned Beetle,
Beech Leaf Disease &
Oak Wilt 

Identifying and Reporting Major Pests in Michigan February 20, 2020 PDF

Report Wildlife Observations (diseased wildlife, tagged fish, invasive carp and more): Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField

More information at michigan.gov/dnr

WOODY INVASIVES
Invasive trees, shrubs, and woody vines pose a serious threat to natural areas in the Great Lakes region, out-competing native plants and damaging wildlife habitat.

More information at woodyinvasives.org 

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NEW ZEALAND MUD SNAIL

The New Zealand Mud Snail (NZMS) is an invasive aquatic species that nowMudSnail
inhabits some Michigan lakes, rivers, and streams and is expanding
its range. Mud snail populations are increasing in some of our most
valued trout streams across the state. As mud snails take over, they
can reduce the numbers of native macroinvertebrates that fish feed
on. Some fish, including rainbow and brown trout, will eat mud snails.
Because the snail’s shell can’t be digested, the fish receive no
nutrition, which can lead to smaller fish sizes and poor fish health. 

Mud snails can be spread by attaching to boating and fishing equipment.
Without natural parasites and with few predators, mud snails are
invading trout streams across the state. 

The New Zealand Mud Snail Collaborative strives to improve knowledge on the ecosystem impacts of NZMS, develop strategies to minimize their spread, inform management initiatives, and raise public awareness.
Explore their website to learn more!

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