-
Outdoors
Outdoors
FLORENCE, Wis. — Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition and PlayCleanGo will host the third annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, June 5–12.
The week is dedicated to highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of invasive species. The Awareness Week aims to educate recreationists on quick and easy ways to responsibly enjoy the outdoors without spreading invasive species or pests.
Throughout the week, WRISC will join PlayCleanGo to share information about invasive species and actionable steps that members of the public can take, whether they are out on a hike, boating or enjoying a picnic in the park.
“Invasive insects and plant diseases cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion annually in damages to trees, plants, crops and related management efforts. They can threaten the economy, food supply, environment and in some cases, even public health,” said Lindsay Peterson, WRISC coordinator. “As people head outdoors, we want them to know that a little bit of prevention can go a long way, and we look forward to sharing easy steps everyone can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.”
Invasive species are a major threat to native wildlife and ecosystems, with nearly 50% of endangered or threatened species at risk as the result of the spread.
While often unintentional, people can spread invasive species with the items they move such as their boots, tires, boats, firewood, pets, horses and more.
To prevent the spread of invasive species, individuals should:
• Clean shoes, clothes, packs, and pets before and after exploring, and stay on designated trails.
• Clean horse hooves and feed horses weed-free certified hay before.
•. Clean, drain and dry watercrafts and angling equipment.
• Don’t move firewood. Buy it where it will be burned, buy certified heat-treated firewood or gather on site when permitted.
• Before traveling to new areas, inspect and clean trailers, off road vehicles, and recreational vehicles with water or compressed air to remove mud, plant parts, and hidden pests.
The event lineup for Awareness Week is as follows:
• Trail Monitoring Hike: June 9; 12-1:30 p.m.; Hemlock Curve Nature Trail on Badger Road in Peshtigo, Wisconsin
• Trail Monitoring Hike: June 10; 3-4 p.m.; Little Fumee Recreation Area on Fumee Lake Drive in Quinnesec
• Kayak the Pin River Oxbow: June 11; 12-3 p.m.; County Road N in Florence, Wisconsin
Those interested can register for the events at wrisc.org/events, or via the WRISC Facebook page at facebook.com/WildRiversISC. For questions, contact Lindsay Peterson, WRISC coordinator, at wildriverscwma@gmail.com or 906-774-1550 ext.102.