Michigan announced 32 projects that will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. According to a statement, the state programs will be implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and Natural Resources. The projects will address prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species in Michigan.
The programs will have four objectives:
- prevent the introduction of new invasive species
- strengthen statewide early detection and response
- limit the spread of recently confirmed invasive species, and manage and control established invasive species
Funding will be provided for these boating and water projects:
- increasing compliance with new “Clean, Drain, Dry” boating laws through use of mobile boat washing stations in northwest Michigan
- surveying anglers and boaters about their willingness to decontaminate gear and vessels, with the goal of improving the effectiveness of messaging and outreach efforts
- surveying and controlling populations of European frogbit, an invasive aquatic plant, in the upper portions of the Rouge, Huron and Clinton river watersheds
- understanding red swamp crayfish population dynamics to improve control methods
This marks the sixth year of program funding. During that time, more than $22 million has been awarded to support 144 projects.
The state said in a statement that more than 390,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed for invasive species; 193,000 people have been reached with information about invasive species through direct contact, including face-to-face interactions at boat washes, workshops, trainings and other events; and an additional 18,158,241 people were reached through grantees’ “passive impression” efforts, including mail, newspapers, social media and handouts.
