Invasive Species Council Announces Nominations Open For 20th Annual Invader Crusader Awards

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that nominations are now open for the 20th annual Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Invader Crusaders Awards. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 18, 2024.

Invader Crusaders are Wisconsin residents and organizations who made significant contributions in 2023 to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm Wisconsin's native wildlife, wetlands, forests, prairies, lakes and rivers. Nominees can be individuals, groups or organizations who showed exemplary efforts to address issues surrounding terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants and animals.

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, an advisory council to the DNR, presents Invader Crusader Awards for volunteer and professional categories.

To nominate an individual or organization, download and complete a nomination form on the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council webpage and email the completed form to Invasive.Species@wisconsin.gov by Feb. 18, 2024.

A panel of judges selected by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will review the nomination materials and select the award winners. Nominators and winners will be notified by mid-April. Award recipients will be recognized in June during Invasive Species Action Month.

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that cause great ecological, environmental or economic harm, and some can even affect human health. Once an invasive species establishes in an area, it can be difficult to control.

Wisconsinites are encouraged to protect native plants and wildlife from invasive species by avoiding moving invasive species or the materials that might harbor them to new places. To learn more about stopping the spread of invasive species, visit the DNR invasive species webpage.