[DEQ] Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, Water Week recognize the importance of Michigan's water resources

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, Water Week recognize the importance of Michigan's water resources

June 5, 2014 

For More Information: 
Sarah LeSage, 517-284-5472, lesages@michigan.gov 
Brad Wurfel, 517-284-6713, wurfelb@michigan.gov 

Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed June 7-15 both Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week and Water Week in Michigan.

During the week, Michiganders are encouraged to enjoy the state’s waters and natural resources, while taking action to stop new introductions and to control the spread of AIS. 

Water is the state’s most significant resource, with the Great Lakes containing one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water and providing the state with social and economic benefits. Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 5.5 million acres of wetlands and 3,200 miles of shoreline, and it provides drinking water to millions of Michigan residents. Our rivers, streams, and lakes support Michigan’s tourism, fishing, manufacturing and agriculture. 

Michigan has taken the lead in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species coming from pathways including ballast water, canals and waterways, organisms in trade and recreational activities. Michiganders need to take an active role in ensuring these harmful, non-native organisms cannot get a foothold in our waters. 

AIS Awareness Week will kick off with a two-day event for boaters called the AIS Landing Blitz. DEQ, the Departments of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will partner with volunteers during the event to assist boaters in preventing the spread of these harmful species and complying with current AIS-related laws. The AIS Landing Blitz will take place on June 6 and 7 at 12 boat landings around the state. Boaters, anglers and others enjoying Michigan’s waters can take action by following these simple steps: 

Required Actions – It’s the Law in Michigan! 
• Remove aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment and boat trailers before launching or placing in the water. 
• Drain live wells, bilges and all water from boats before leaving the access site. 
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. 
• Don’t transfer fish to water bodies other than where they were caught. 

Recommended Actions – Protect Our Waters! 
• Inspect and remove plants and mud from boats and trailers and dry equipment before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body if possible. 
• Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home. 
• Dry boats and equipment for at least 5 days before launching into a different body of water. 
• Disinfect live wells and bilges with bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water). 

A number of new AIS are at our doorstep, including two species of Asian carp and several harmful aquatic plants. The Great Lakes and Michigan’s inland waters draw millions of recreational users and are already dealing with more than 180 non-native aquatic species. Preventing AIS is a responsibility that falls on everyone. 

The Landing Blitz will take place at the following boat launches: 
• Torch Lake, Antrim County (Local partner: Three Lakes Association) 
• Glen Lake, Leelanau County (Local partner: Glen Lake Association) 
• Paradise Lake, Emmet County (Local partner: Paradise Lake Association) 
• Higgins Lake, Roscommon County (Local partner: Higgins Lake Foundation) 
• Manistee River, Manistee County (Local partner: Manistee County Planning Department) 
• Hardy Dam Pond, Newaygo County (Local partner: Muskegon River Watershed Assembly) 
• AuGres Boating Access Site on the Saginaw Bay, Arenac County (Local partner: Huron Pines & Saginaw Conservation District) 
• Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, Oakland County (Local partner: Pontiac Lake Owners Association) 
• Gun Lake, Barry County (Local partner: Gun Lake Tribe) 
• Gull Lake, Barry County (Local partner: Gull Lake Quality Organization) 
• Chicagon Lake, Iron County (Local partner: Iron Conservation District) 
• Lake Antoine, Dickinson County (Local partner: Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition) 

For more information about the AIS Landing Blitz and to view the Governor’s proclamation, visit www.michigan.gov/aquaticinvasives.