The Wisconsin Legislature created the 12-member Wisconsin Invasive Species Council to assist the Department of Natural Resources in establishing a statewide program to control invasive species.
Council members meet at Horicon, WI in 2016
The council makes recommendations to the department regarding:
- A system for classifying invasive species.
- A procedure for awarding cost sharing grants to control invasive species.
The council also conducts studies of issues related to controlling invasive species. Wisconsin law requires the Council to address:
- The effect of the state’s bait industry on the introduction and spread of invasive species.
- The effect of the state’s pet industry on the introduction and spread of invasive species.
- The acquisition of invasive species through mail order and Internet sales.
- Other issues as determined by the council.
The council relies on four committees to carry out its work: Education, Research, Regulation, and Interagency Coordination. An Executive Committee provides overall direction for the council’s activities.