Working with WI DOT and County Highway Departments

On Oct. 12, 2021, the first day of the WI Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Partnership Fall Meeting, several partners shared their experiences working with their county highway departments and the WI Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct invasive species management efforts in a road Right of Way (ROW). Often wetland invasive species, such as purple loosestrife and non-native phragmites are found in the ROWs. Jeanne Scherer, AIS Outreach Specialist and Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Statewide Coordinator, provided an overview of the Working in ROWs appendix in the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol guide found on the program webpage. The appendix is based on guidance provided by DOT Landscape Architect and Adopt A Highway Statewide Coordinator Christa Schaefer. Chris Acy, AIS Coordinator for Fox-Wolf Watershed Association, and Patrick Siwula, AIS Coordinator for Sheboygan County, reported on specific projects they conducted in ROWs during 2021 that required close coordination with highway management. Marisa Ulman, AIS Coordinator for Jefferson County, and Patrick then shared other ways they’ve been working closely with their Counties’ Highway Departments to help them properly identify, map and manage invasive species along the roads. Marisa has shared helpful materials in the Partnerships UW Box account. Contact [email protected] for access.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/loosestrife.html
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