MILC Session 17 Invasive Species

Jason Frenzel and Kate Laramie Huron River Watershed Council; Eric Diesing, Clinton River Watershed Council; and Sam Davis, Friends of the Rouge

European frog-bit was first discovered in Oakland County, Michigan in 2018- far from previously known infestations in the Great Lakes. This aquatic invasive plant negatively impacts local ecosystems and hinders recreational boat traffic. A grant was awarded to the Oakland County CISMA from the State of Michigan to determine the extent of the infestation in the county and to increase public education about this species. The CISMA is collaborating with local watershed councils (Huron River, Clinton River, & Friends of the Rouge) to survey water bodies near the infestation, as well as to create educational materials, host virtual public meetings, and to mail information to landowners. Last year, watershed staff surveyed a total of 320 points (approximately 150 acres), only 23% of which were private. No new frog-bit locations were found, and no aquatic watch-list species were observed. In 2022, surveying new sites and treating known frog-bit locations will be our main focus. This panel will review lessons learned during surveying and treatment, as well as future steps and improvements including the use of mapping software's (ArcGIS); coordinating with MI EGLE on control; and collaborating with multiple organizations, businesses, and private landowners.

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