A meeting is set for next week to organize the battle against invasive species in the Northwoods.
The Wisconsin Headwaters Invasive Partnership Annual meeting brings together people from several organizations that have a stake in stopping the spread of invasives in Vilas and Oneida counties.
Rosie Page is Coordinator for the Partnership. She says there are 15 partner groups involved in WHIP. WHIP was formed in 2009. Page says their studying data gathered concerning invasive species along regional roadways. While many invasives were found, one particularly nasty land invader was observed....
".....so we have isolated patches of things like Japanese Knotweed which is a particularly nasty one that you don't want to have found in your yard or back woodlot. It's tricky to get rid of. It's also known as a Michigan bamboo type thing. It's extremely tall with broad, heart-shaped leaves........in the morning we're going to hear a couple of invited speakers and they will give updates on particular species. One is common reedgrass, known as phragmites. We'll also have a research update on the Emerald Ash Borer, which first invaded Rhinelander last year...."
She says WHIP has moved more toward the land-based invasives. She says both Vilas and Oneida counties have excellent Aquatic Invasive Species programs, but the threat from water-based invasives is also strong.
Page says there will be species research updates by professionals, elementary student conservation speeches and the introduction of new Strategic Plan to contain the spread of non-native species.
The annual meeting is set for Wednesday, March 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the Woodruff town hall and the public is welcome. A draft strategic plan is also available. You can contact Page for more information at rpage19@gmail.com or online atwhipinvasives. org or they have a Facebook page.
