The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging people to be on the lookout for an aquatic invasive plant that has made its way into the state.
The plant is called parrot feather, and it’s been found in three private ponds in Michigan over the last five years.
Parrot feather has been prohibited in Michigan since 2005. However the discovery of the invader in these ponds points to the possibility of it being elsewhere in the state.
Joanne Foreman is an invasive species communications coordinator with the DNR.
“Used to be available commercially, and people bought it for their aquariums, ponds, water gardens, and the thing about parrot feather is if it escapes it’s very aggressive and it can take over open water systems.”
Foreman said parrot feather grows incredibly fast and covers the surface of still water systems, which can negatively affect other aquatic life.
She said the plant is also easily tangled in fishing lines and boat propellers, causing a problem recreationally.
For more information on parrot feather and what to do if you find it, visit the DNR website.
The Michigan DNR is a financial supporter of WCMU.