DNR FOREST RESOURCES DIVISION GUIDELINES FOR DECONTAMINATION
INTRODUCTION
Invasive species are harmful to the environment, the economy and human health. Their impacts to natural resources and wildlife habitat have been severe in Michigan. Examples include invasive phragmites in wetlands, oak wilt in our forests, zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes, and feral swine in our fields and crops. The most cost-effective method of addressing invasive species is to prevent their establishment and limit their spread.
DECONTAMINATION POLICY
The Forest Resources Division is directed to implement decontamination to prevent the spread of invasive species through a Quality of Life (QOL) Policy and Procedure. This document was assembled to help guide decontamination practices. It is not meant to be prescriptive to every situation, but a starting place to use along with best management practices and best professional judgment to limit the spread of invasive species. An analysis of invasion pathways shows that humans are the primary vector of spread of invasive species. Basic decontamination steps make a big difference in reducing the spread of invasive species.
It is recognized that there is currently some efforts by Forest Resources Division staff to clean equipment before moving to new locations. This document outlines supplementary information for employees and highlights actions staff can take, from modifying practices to brushing boots.
WHERE DO I START?
Start with your boots, clothing and vehicle. They are probably used more than your equipment and are generally easier to keep clean. There should be a minimum level of effort to keep your boots, clothing and vehicle clean when you move from site to site. A few minutes with a brush goes a long way to minimize the spread of invasive species. Consider wearing clothing, socks and other outerwear that resist “hitchhikers”. Keep your vehicle clean and check the exterior for plants and debris each time you get in.
Taking a few general field precautions will help to lessen the risk of daily activities:
Know how work activities, equipment and gear may contribute to the spread of invasive species
Know your work areas – what invasive species are most prevalent?; plan work to minimize spread from infested to un-infested sites
Minimize disturbance to sites by using existing trails, staging areas and points of access where possible
HOW DO I DETERMINE A SITE AND LEVEL OF RISK?
The Division recognizes that many of the activities in which field staff engage on a day to day basis would be considered high risk, as defined in the QOL Decontamination Guidance document. This may include visiting multiple compartments in a given day, visiting infested sites or moving between lakes, rivers or streams (fire). The levels of risk described in the guidance document and decontamination methods are meant to provide the best management practices available. Ideally, in high risk situations, the highest level of action would be taken. However, when this is impractical (e.g. access to equipment is limited, productivity and work flow will be significantly reduced, etc.) staff may use methods described for lower levels of risk. One-size fits all guidelines are impractical and proper decontamination measures vary from site to site, for each piece of equipment and for different work scenarios. It is important to recognize the value of decontamination and try to implement the most effective measures to fit the situation and minimize the risk.
WHAT FLEXIBILITY DO I HAVE?
Staff must implement minimum decontamination procedures during their work. However, the precautions and needed decontamination methods are based on the level of risk, which is left to the professional judgment of employees and supervisors.
Special circumstances and situations may affect the level of decontamination at a given site or in a given work activity. Decontamination in winter is still necessary if work processes are impacting substrates, but access to unfrozen water may be impractical or impossible Emergency situations (e.g. wildland fires) may preclude the use of high level decontamination and work in highly valued sites (e.g. protected areas) may require additional decontamination. Managers should use best professional judgment and provide guidance to staff on a situational basis.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
When practicing decontamination, staff should do so safely. Consider the following:
1. Wear proper personal protection equipment such as safety glasses and gloves when needed
2. Ensure staff are trained on the use of decontamination equipment such as pressure washers and air compressors.
3. Comply with manufacturers’ recommendations to sustain the life of decontamination equipment and prevent damage or safety concerns.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Invasive Species Identification
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) – provides species identification training
Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) – provides species information
Invasive Species Control
DNR WLD & MNFI – provides best control practice guides
Michigan Invasive Species Coalition (MISC) and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) – provide contact information for partner organizations interested in IS management
Invasive Species Reporting
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) – provides reporting tools, including iPhone/Android apps
Invasive Species Contact List – provides contact information for high-priority species
Questions or feedback? Contact:
Ryan Wheeler
Terrestrial Invasive Species Biologist
DNR Forest Resources and Wildlife Divisions
(517) 284-5915
Susan Tangora
Section Manager
Forest Health and Cooperative Programs
DNR Forest Resources Division
(517) 420-0128
Invasive Species (IS) Activity Risk TableActivity / Risk Level / General Precautions
Visiting multiple sites (terrestrial or aquatic) within a local area.
Examples: Timber sale or compartment review. / Low: If all sites are infested with the same invasive plants or all fields are uninfested; not using heavy equipment / Be aware of the presence of Invasive Species at work locations. Avoid if possible.
Medium: If some sites are uninfested or contain isolated populations of IS and others have invasive species; if some sites are highly valued or contain sensitive species / Plan work so infested sites are visited last and minimize disturbance by using existing trails, roads, etc. Be aware of the presence of IS.
High: If only a few sites have invasive species and others have none or contain highly valued, sensitive or rare species / Avoid visiting infested and uninfested sites consecutively without proper decontamination. Minimize disturbance in both uninfested and infested sites.
Visiting multiple sites over a large geographic area.
Examples: Timber sale administration, working across FMUs. / Low or Medium: If remaining on established roads and parking lots, or working with minimal contact with vegetation in reproductive stages / Be aware of in the presence of IS and sensitive species between areas. Minimize disturbance in both unifested and infested areas.
High: If moving between un-infested and infested sites; off-road; or between areas where high-threat invasive species are present in one and absent in the other / Follow the highest level of decontamination practical. If possible, consider alternatives to moving equipment between areas.
Tractors and heavy equipment (e.g., dozers, loaders, etc.) and
Cultivation, Mowing, Roller chopping, Trenching. / Low: If all sites are un-infested. / Be aware of the presence of invasive species. Avoid moving equipment over large distances without proper decontamination. Stage in areas free of vegetation. Plan work to visit infested sites last, and avoid moving between infested and un-infested sites without proper decontamination.
Medium: If some sites are un-infested and others contain IS; Dry/dusty/sandy conditions with relatively low attachment of soil/vegetation on equipment.
High: If high-threat invasive species are present in small areas; If the site is a high value CVA;
Wet/Muddy/Clay conditions with relatively high amounts of attached soil/vegetation on equipment.
Vehicles and equipment in aquatic habitat including marsh master / Low: No high-threat invasives present, or invasives not known to spread by fragmentation. / Visit un-infested areas first and infested areas last if possible. Avoid drawing water near infestations if possible. When practical, flush water tanks with water from an un-infested source.
Medium: Invasives present but not known to spread by fragmentation.
High: High-threat invasives present, or moving from infested area to un-infested
Fire operations interacting with water / Low: No contact with water, all activities are conducted on land. (e.g. prescribed burns). / Visit uninfested areas first and infested areas last if possible. Avoid drawing water near infestations if possible. When practical, flush water tanks with water from an uninfested source. Use multiple foot valves to allow dry time between sites.
Medium: Contacting a single waterbody with IS presence (e.g water draw)
High: Contacting multiple waterbodies with varying IS presence-absence in the same day (e.g water draw)
Emergency situations (e.g. wildland fires) may preclude the use of high level decontamination and work in highly valued sites (e.g. protected areas) may require additional decontamination. Managers should use best professional judgment and provide guidance to staff on a situational basis.
DNR Forest Resources Division: Updated April, 2016