Get ready for Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week in Michigan
Governor Snyder proclaims July 2-8, 2017 as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week
Governor Snyder has made it official! July 2-8 is the time to spread the word about identifying and preventing the spread of invaders in Michigan’s waters.
As the proclamation reminds us, “Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.”
Read the full text of the 2017 AIS Awareness Week Proclamation.
Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz
To help raise awareness about aquatic invasive species, the 2017 AIS Landing Blitz begins at boat launches around Michigan on Saturday, July 1 and runs through Sunday, July 9. Volunteers and conservation-minded organizations will be on hand at dozens of locations to show boaters how to clean, drain and dry their watercrafts and gear and to remind everyone to properly dispose of bait in the trash to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Missed the sign-up deadline to host an outreach event at your local boating access site during the Landing Blitz? One of MDEQ’s mobile boat washes and an outreach crew from Michigan State University might still be able to visit later this summer.
Learn more and check availability of the DEQ mobile boat wash.
Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan
Need a quick and easy way to explain the effects of aquatic invasive species? Just in time for AIS Awareness Week, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has created an AIS infographic that’s perfect for websites, social media, handouts and displays. Along with economic impacts, the infographic reminds everyone of some simple – and legally required – actions to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Find the poster at www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies, under the Education and Outreach tab.
Aquatic invasive species: early detection in Michigan
Michigan’s aquatic invasive species early detection and response team has been on duty since 2011, responding to reports of invaders on Michigan’s Watch List. A new online story map tracks their responses to reports across the state. Find out what’s been happening in your area and check back for updates by visiting www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies and clicking the Control and Management tab.
New MDEQ Minute – yellow floating heart
Take a minute – yes, just 60 seconds – to learn the basics about yellow floating heart, a prohibited aquatic invasive species on Michigan’s Watch List. Watch the new MDEQ Minute – Yellow Floating Heart by visiting the media center at www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies. Subscribe to see more MDEQ Minute videos and other educational video content from the MDEQ: https://www.youtube.com/user/MichiganDEQ.
Out of balance: A story of salmon and Lake Michigan
Are salmon considered invasive? The history of salmon in the Great Lakes is tied to the introduction, rise and decline of several aquatic invasive species. Take a look at the infographic story from Second Wave Media and learn how these species are intertwined and affect decisions about fisheries management in the Great Lakes.
Adventures in Collective Water Management
Connect with people in your community addressing Aquatic Invasive Species during an interactive webinar on July 21, 2017 from 1:30-3:30 PM.
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are increasingly involved with addressing aquatic invasive species. Lake Associations are structured to address nuisance aquatic plants and often go to great lengths to grow their expertise and capacity.
The Adventures in Collective Water Management learning and action network, hosted by MSU Extension, is a forum where different groups with a common purpose can come together. Bi-monthly webinars held from May 2017 through March 2018 are focusing on a variety of community techniques for protecting water resources. The July 21 webinar will address Aquatic Invasive Species. Register at Webinar Registration Link by July 19. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants.
Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan Departments of Agriculture & Rural Development, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies.
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