Aquatic Invasive Species

This session will discuss state management updates and the state’s role in aquatic invasive species (AIS) management, the value of early detection and response, and the new European Frog-bit infestations in West Michigan. 

(includes all 3 presentations below)

(0:00) State management Aquatic Invasive Species updates. Sarah LeSage, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

(33:15) Value of early detection and response. Sarah LeSage, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

(58:45) Responding to European frog-bit in West Michigan. William Keiper, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morus-ranae) was first found in Michigan in 1996 near Lake Erie and is now wide spread along Michigan’s eastern shoreline. More recently, European frog-bit (EFB) has spread inland, particularly in West Michigan. In 2016, EFB was found in Reeds and Fisk Lake in East Grand Rapids. In 2019, EFB was found in both the lower Grand River and Pentwater Lake. The recent range expansions are a serious concern and managers are actively working to contain known infestations and prevent further spread. Control efforts have been ongoing since 2016 in Reeds and Fisk Lake. Delimiting the Grand River and Pentwater infestations are underway and will guide management actions. Responding to EFB in West MI has been a joint effort with numerous project partners in an effort to prevent EFB from becoming widely established.

Presented by Sarah LeSage and William Keiper, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy during the 2020 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.