Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Announces Invasive Species Action Awards Winners

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) congratulates the winners of the 2025 Invasive Species Action Awards, presented by the Wisconsin Invasive Species council during Invasive Species Action Month. The governor-appointed Council advises the DNR and the state legislature on invasive species issues.

The council awards individuals and groups in professional and volunteer settings that positively impact the fight against the spread of invasive species. The winners represent all regions of Wisconsin. They used many different approaches in their efforts, but each winner is united in putting in long hours in the ongoing work against the spread of invasive species.

This year’s winners include:

Professional Individual Category

• Abby Vogt: As Coordinator of the Timberland Invasives Partnership, Abby has made a significant impact in northeastern Wisconsin. She coordinates many surveys, control efforts and educational events. She conducts control measures over 100 acres per year and in 2024 alone reached more than 28,000 people with her outreach efforts.
• Amanda Smith: Amanda has been in her role as a Regional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR since 2018. During her tenure, she has overseen multiple high-profile invasive species discoveries and response plans, including the state’s first-known population of European frog-bit, a prohibited plant.
• Ben Johnston: In his role with the Kickapoo Valley Reserve in Vernon County, Ben has led invasive species control and monitoring activities on more than 8,600 acres. In addition, he has devoted hundreds of hours of volunteer time organizing community events and spreading the word about invasive species.
• Cathy Higley: As a Lake Conservation Specialist with Vilas County, Cathy has assisted more than 100 lake associations in her county. With over 15.6% surface water cover and 18.5% mapped wetland cover, Vilas County is 34% “wet” and garners great interest in tourism. Through Cathy’s leadership, the Northwoods Businesses for Clean Waters group was established and has united water-using businesses to provide tools and guidance to protect their waters.
• Mike Grisar: As an employee of WEC Energy Group, Mike has overseen many hydroelectric projects on Wisconsin waters. He applies his knowledge of invasive species by providing guidance on proposals, assisting with field work and taking time to educate those around him. He oversees invasive species management on nearly 10,000 acres across the state. Mike is passionate about the lands he manages and is committed to conservation.
• Patrick Siwula: As a Regional AIS Coordinator, Patrick has overseen early detection and rapid response efforts on multiple high-profile invasive species. For example, when starry stonewort (prohibited in Wisconsin) was found in several inland lakes, Patrick guided lake associations through effective response efforts and innovative monitoring protocols. The data gathered from these efforts have been used in scientific literature.
• Stephanie Boismenue: Stephanie’s passion and enthusiasm as the Oneida County AIS Coordinator is infectious. In 2024, she and her team trained 180 volunteers, monitored 32 water bodies, reared and released 12,280 purple loosestrife biocontrol beetles and engaged with 5,418 people at boat landings. Her skills in education and leadership have greatly benefited her region.

Volunteer Individual Category

• Bob Housey: Affectionately dubbed “Buckthorn Bob,” Bob has volunteered with Milwaukee County Parks for nearly 15 years. He has donated almost 1,000 hours on 15 acres at Wehr Nature Center alone. In addition, Bob’s joyful demeanor is an asset when he helps out at youth programs focused on getting kids involved in invasive species management.
• Dave Mueller: Dave has been leading the efforts to control invasive species, especially Eurasian water milfoil (EWM), on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes in Vilas County since 2007. What started as a 300-acre EWM problem has turned into just 33 acres of manual removal annually. Dave’s efforts also include educating more than 1,000 landowners and getting them involved.
• David Sprowls: Since his retirement, David has spent the last 14 years protecting Lake Nebagamon in Douglas County. He leads the Clean Boats Clean Waters boat launch monitoring program each year, which inspects 1,500+ boats each summer. Following the discovery of curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) in nearby Lake Minnesuing, David, in his early 80s, has led the efforts to hand-pull CLP in Minnesuing Creek, which connects the lakes.
• Kenneth Frauenhoffer: Kenneth has shown impressive leadership skills as the coordinator for the Clean Boats Clean Waters efforts on Fence Lake, a 3,483-acre lake in Vilas County. He educates staff, volunteers, boaters and landowners about AIS. These efforts have prevented two nearby AIS species, Eurasian water milfoil and spiny water flea, from entering Fence Lake.
• Michael Neimon: Michael’s invasive species journey started when he decided to clear his subdivision in Waukesha County of invasive brush. Then, his work expanded to the adjacent state park and the local high school. In total, Michael has cleared more than 50 acres and logged more than 700 hours himself. All of the folks who have followed under his leadership together have logged 2,000+ volunteer hours.
• Steve Klock: Steve’s work began as an employee with the DNR, but even after his retirement, his work continued. Since 2011, he has been educating local schools, youth camps, landowners, non-profits and others on invasive species. He is known as a local expert in Sheboygan County and is always willing to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand.
• Ryan Knox: Ryan has volunteered over 150 hours to develop an innovative watercraft decontamination station on Des Moines Lake and Long Lake in Burnett County. This work will prevent the introduction and spread of AIS in the region and requires significant research, coordination, organization and education efforts.

Professional Group Category

• Wisconsin Bowfishing Association: Established in the late 1990s, the WBA has been removing invasive fish from state waterways for decades. It coordinates tournaments and educational events statewide, including youth events designed to get kids outside to make a difference.

Special Recognition Category

• Tom Bressner: Tom has served on the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council for almost 13 years. During this time, Tom has thoughtfully provided his perspective as a senior advisor for the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association. His contributions to the Council have been significant, and the Council thanks him as he looks forward to retirement.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients for their dedication to the prevention, control and eradication of invasive species in Wisconsin. More information about invasive species and resources for helping to prevent their spread is available on the DNR’s website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.