DNR, Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies partner in revegetation study
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/16/2015 12:15 PM EDT|
Study looks for best ways to replant former oil and gas development sites. |
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2015
Contact: Cynthia Watson, 517-284-5914 or Matt Fry, 517-284-5862
DNR, Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies partner in revegetation study
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a partnership with the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies to conduct research to determine optimal methods for successful revegetation of former oil and gas well and facility sites.
The study will be funded by the institute and energy industry partners who currently are developing or have previously developed oil and gas resources in Michigan. The 10 research locations will be abandoned well and facility sites located in the northern Lower Peninsula on state forest land managed by the DNR.
ConocoPhillips, the world’s largest independent exploration and production company based on production and proved reserves, has provided partial funding for this project.
The five-year study hopes to test techniques for successful revegetation of former oil and gas development sites, such as discouraging invasive species and promoting return to original native cover trees and grasses.
Fred Van Dyke, executive director of the institute developed an experimental design to study various treatment methods and evaluate the success rate of four different tree species while at the same time studying the response of native understory grasses and wildflowers.
Invasive species, primarily spotted knapweed and leafy spurge, will be controlled where necessary. Student researchers from the Mancelona, Michigan-based campus of the institute will monitor growth rates and survivorship of trees at each site.
“We at Au Sable are honored to be part of this important effort in research and adaptive management," Van Dyke said. “We believe the results of this study will better inform DNR foresters about the best species and methods for reforesting abandoned well pads, while at the same time providing excellent experience in applied environmental research for Au Sable students.”
Cynthia Watson, property specialist with DNR Minerals Management, said the efforts provide an excellent educational opportunity while also preserving Michigan’s world-class natural resources.
“I applaud Dr. Van Dyke’s involvement and expertise in designing the research study to address revegetation at these former sites,” she added.
For additional information about the project, visit the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies’ website at http://ausable.org/.
For more information about DNR Minerals Management, visit www.michigan.gov/minerals.