Watch out for parrot feathers on Michigan waterways
Watch out for parrot feathers.
The popular aquarium plant, sometimes sold under the name Brazilian watermilfoil, is a threat to Michigan ponds, lakes and tributaries, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
It's been found in three private ponds in the state since 2013, and on Tuesday, the DNR issued a call for Michiganders to be on the lookout for the plant, which has an aggressive growth rate.
Plants rooted in lake or stream beds can create dense, six-foot mats of vegetation that choke out native plants, reduce fish habitat and make water activities like fishing and boating difficult.
What's more, new plants readily sprout from stem fragments, so removal efforts like raking or pulling may contribute to their spread.
Failure to thoroughly remove plant debris from boats and trailers can allow parrot feather to hitchhike to new locations.
Parrot feather has been prohibited in Michigan since 2005, but is available for online purchase and still may be in aquariums and water gardens around the state.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has developed a new video to help people identify and report parrot feather. The video is part of the department’s MDEQ Minute series, offering 60-second views on a broad range of topics including new and potential invasive species in Michigan.
What to do:
- If you find parrot feather, photograph it and send the photo, date and location of the find to the MDEQ’s Aquatic Nuisance Control Program at firstname.lastname@example.org or call 517-284-5593.
- If you have parrot feather in an aquarium, remove the plants, seal them in a plastic bag and dispose of them – do not compost, as parrot feather can survive in compost. If you have a large amount of parrot feather in a pond or water feature, contact the MDEQ’s Aquatic Nuisance Control Program at the email or phone number above for assistance.