Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM)

WHEREAS; invasive plants and animals threaten Wisconsin's waters and wildlands by crowding out and destroying native plants and animals and by disrupting complex habitat systems that evolved over millennia; and 

WHEREAS; invasive species also threaten the productivity and economic viability of Wisconsin's agricultural lands by creating overwhelming competition with crops; and 

WHEREAS; Wisconsin's agricultural lands are vital to the economic livelihood and health of individuals across the state, and Wisconsin's waters and wildlands draw countless tourists and recreational users to the state each year, creating vital economic activity that supports communities across the state; and 

WHEREAS; Wisconsin's waters and wildlands also mitigate the influences of environmental changes, flooding, water pollution, and air pollution; and 

WHEREAS; humans have created conditions that support the aggressive invasion and domination of natural areas and bodies of water by invasive species by introducing exotic species, disrupting natural processes and ecosystems by changing the environmental conditions, and inadvertently spreading invasive species by carrying seeds on footwear or clothing, importing firewood, or moving watercraft from waterbody to waterbody without proper cleaning; and 

WHEREAS; increased awareness of invasive species is an important step towards behavior change, which can prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species; and 

WHEREAS; millions of dollars, both public and private, are spent each year on efforts to control invasive plant and animal species in Wisconsin's waters, wildlands, agricultural lands, and urban areas, and in 2002, state agencies joined with private partners in forming the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, which conducts studies and provides recommendations to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to control invasive species; and 

WHEREAS; this month, the state of Wisconsin joins the DNR and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, along with local businesses, conservation and recreational groups, community organizations, and dedicated advocates, in taking action against the introduction and spread of invasive species and encourages all to participate in activities to help Wisconsinites and visitors gain a better understanding of the impact of invasive species; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as INASIVE SPECIES ACTION MONTH throughout State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all our state's residents. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. 

Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this 21st day of May 2026. 

Signed by Tony EVERS GOVERNOR, the Governor.

signed by SARAH GODLEWSK, Secretary of State.