People and Invasive Species (includes all 3 presentations below)

(0:00) A comparison of watercraft decontamination methods: Invasive species removal, boater outreach, and cost. Maria Bleitz, Michigan State University; Kevin Walters, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Jo Latimore, Michigan State University

The secondary spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) via trailered watercraft to inland lakes and reservoirs is an issue that negatively affects native species and costs billions of dollars in the Great Lakes region every year. Preventative efforts against AIS have focused on reducing overland spread by encouraging boaters to remove invasive organisms from their watercraft, trailers, and gear before launching in another lake. Local communities have installed boat wash stations at launch sites that use heated pressurized water to remove invasive animals and plant fragments. Recently, several local communities including Higgins Lake have purchased waterless boat cleaning stations such as CD3 units that use compressed air, vacuums, and hand tools. Few studies have compared these two cleaning approaches, and none have in the context of Michigan's regulations. We conducted a review of published literature and unpublished data with the goals of assessing the effectiveness of both boat-cleaning methods in terms of AIS decontamination effectiveness, boater/angler outreach effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. The review includes a synthesis of 1) unpublished data collected by the CD3 units at Higgins lake, survey data collected by the Michigan State University Mobile Boat Wash program, data from various local boat operations, and 2) reports compiled by CD3, white papers, and primary literature of various decontamination methods. The findings will be presented as a resource for lake managers considering investing in boat cleaning equipment or programs at their own lakes.

(29:23) Incorporating citizen science in a study of invasive watermilfoil. Jo Latimore, Michigan State University; Erick Elgin, Michigan State University Extension; Ryan Thum, Montana State University; and Syndell Parks, Grand Valley State University

We engaged volunteers in the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) in a multiyear research project investigating the extent and variability of hybrid watermilfoil genotypes across Michigan’s inland lakes. Hybridization of native northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum) and invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (M. spicatum) has resulted in a variety of aggressive strains (genotypes) in inland lakes. Some of these genotypes show low susceptibility to herbicides that can be successfully used to manage Eurasian watermilfoil infestations. We developed volunteer-friendly sampling instructions and kits for preserving and shipping samples to the laboratory. We then invited participants based on their experience with CLMP aquatic plant surveys, geographic distribution, and suspected or confirmed presence of Eurasian watermilfoil or hybrids in their lakes. Over twenty people contributed samples to the project, representing twenty-two Michigan lakes over two years. We communicated the results of genetic testing through individual lake reports that included data and a map of genotype locations. We will also discuss the citizen scientists’ experiences with the project, including how they used the information about watermilfoils in their lakes.

Handout: Incorporating citizen science in a study of invasive watermilfoil - slides

(52:38) Empowering pet and garden retailers to protect Michigan lakes from aquatic invasive species. Paige Filice, Michigan State University Extension, and Jo Latimore, Michigan State University

When non-native aquatic plants and animals from the pet and garden trade are released into Michigan waterways they pose a significant ecological and economic threat. To address this in Michigan we educate retailers and hobbyists about safe handling and disposal practices through the research-based outreach program Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE). Since RIPPLE began in 2015 over 120 garden retailers, hobbyist clubs, nature centers, zoos and school districts have become RIPPLE partners. Partners receive aquatic invasive species identification and reporting resources and outreach kits with printed materials for display and distribution. To ensure RIPPLE was meeting the needs of our primary target audience, we surveyed all independently owned pet and garden retailers in Michigan that sell aquatic organisms or provide services to aquatic hobbyists. The survey improved our understanding of retailers’ knowledge of aquatic invasive species, current behavior, and attitudes regarding their responsibility for prevention. Results indicate that while many retailers believe aquariums and water gardens are an invasive species risk, some do not believe they are responsible for preventing introductions. In addition, only half of surveyed retailers accept unwanted plants or animals from the public. Utilizing these survey results we are enhancing the RIPPLE program to empower our program partners and designing new outreach materials that align with their knowledge and behaviors.

Presented as part of the 2020 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.