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published literature and unpublished data with the goals of assessing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 The review includes a synthesis of 1) unpublished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.
