On the front lines

On the last day of March, despite the cold and rainy weather, students from across the State of Wisconsin gathered to do their part in fighting the spread of land based invasive species in Eagle River. The enemies on this particular day were bush honeysuckle and buckthorn.

The gathering of students and their subsequent work was the result of a newly-formed invasive species partnership, known as a Cooperative Weed Management Area, or CWMA. In late 2008, Ted Ritter, Vilas County’s invasive species coordinator, sought to form a CWMA in Vilas County.

The purpose in forming the CWMA was to form a broad-based partnership to help combat the detrimental effects that terrestrial (land-based) invasive species cause. In March 2009, the Vilas County CWMA officially became known as the Wisconsin Headwaters Invasive Partnership, or WHIP. The partnership involves agencies at all levels of government, private land owners, conservation groups, and business organizations.

Colleen Matula, forest ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, organized the eradication effort, which took place on land adjacent to Trees for Tomorrow. Several areas were on the target list, and ownership of the land was held by both the City of Eagle River and the U.S. Forest Service.

The targets

Buckthorn was brought to the U.S. from Europe and soon became a popular material for hedging. Shortly after introduction, it was found to be invasive in natural areas. Honeysuckle has a similar history, likewise imported from Europe to be used as an ornamental shrub.

According to Matula, there are multiple problems with invasive species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. “The invasives overtake the native vegetation which ultimately results in no regeneration of trees,” Matula said.

She explained that removal can be very difficult, as the rhizomes often run for several feet underground. Unlike native species, she added, the invasives have no predators (insects or disease) to help keep their growth in check.

Even though leaves were not present, one could clearly see the detrimental effects of buckthorn and honeysuckle. What was once a thick stand of conifers was now very thin and barren. While several old growth trees were still present, a majority of the forest floor was choked with the invasives. No new growth was present, and without action, there would not be new growth.

Action

Students from six high schools from across Wisconsin participating in a three-day environmental education program at Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River took part in the eradication effort. After spending some classroom time learning invasive species identification, the students ventured into the affected area.

Students were instructed that to properly eradicate the invasive species, it was best to remove the plants at ground level – one inch above ground, if possible. Once the brush was removed, a certified applicator would apply a pesticide to the remains.

Megan Hansen, a student from Waupun High School, was very pleased that she was able to be involved in this project. She said that while she is "not pursuing a career that is related to the environment," she looks forward to bringing what she learned back to her school’s conservation club, of which she is a member. Hansen also felt that the action being taken by the students will make a positive impact on the future.

The future

The formation of the CWMA and projects such as the Eagle River eradication effort are just the beginning. Ritter commented that the partnerships formed by a CWMA could clearly be viewed in action at the project site. “We have students, Colleen from the DNR, private landowners, a certified chemical applicator from Vilas County, and the City of Eagle River who will be removing the brush.

"When you look at the fact that we are working on not only city land," Ritter continued, "but also federal land, you can clearly see the partnership in action.” Ritter noted that working with landowners to eradicate invasive species on private tracts is the next step.

Nothing is free in this world, and the same applies to the control of invasive species. Matula said the administration of President Barack Obama has been a tremendous help. Referring to the stimulus bill, she said, “the bill targets projects such as this. Specifications include shovel-ready projects, and this is about as shovel-ready as they come."