LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — State officials are urging Michigan residents to help prevent the spread of invasive species, which pose a growing threat to the environment, economy, and agriculture. The warning comes as part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
“Invasive species are responsible for an estimated $26 billion in economic damage and control efforts each year in North America,” Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), said.
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To combat the spread of invasive species, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is partnering with federal and local agencies to monitor and contain harmful plants, animals, and insects.
A recent inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport led U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials to discover an invasive insect native to the Mediterranean, according to the Detroit Free Press. The half-inch-long Orsillus maculatus was found tucked inside a shipment of undeclared cypress cones arriving from Jordan, raising concerns about the risks of non-native species entering Michigan.
Authorities warn that invasive species often travel undetected through human activity. Certain exotic pets and plants can escape or be released into the wild, while insects and seeds hitch rides on vehicles, clothing, and imported goods. Once introduced, they can quickly spread due to a lack of natural predators.
Michigan officials are asking the public to take steps to limit the spread of invasive species, including:
- Cleaning shoes, clothing, and vehicles after outdoor activities to remove pests and seeds.
- Landscaping with native plants instead of non-native species.
- Using only local or heat-treated firewood to prevent tree diseases.
- Reporting sightings of invasive species through Michigan’s Eyes in the Field system.
Michigan law prohibits the sale or possession of over 55 invasive species, including the spotted lanternfly, Eurasian watermilfoil, and bighead carp. The state operates 22 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), which focus on early detection and prevention.
“Public reporting has been critical to statewide invasive species detections,” Joanne Foreman, an invasive species specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said.