February 16, 2006

Office of the Great Lakes Director Ken DeBeaussaert announced today that eight grants have been awarded under the Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Education Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funding to local grassroots efforts to raise public awareness about AIS prevention and control, and protect Michigan’s water resources. This year’s awards totaling $22,427 will fund educational field courses for teachers and environmental professionals, protect unique state and national treasures including Isle Royale and Beaver Island, and educate boaters and lake groups about preventative measures.

“Last week our state took a historic step forward in the protection of the Great Lakes by passing comprehensive water withdrawal legislation,” said DeBeaussaert. “Today, we are continuing that commitment to the Great Lakes by helping to safeguard them from the growing threat of invasive species.”

The projects funded by today’s grants:

• Invasive Species Field Course for Teachers and Environmental
  Professionals, Inland Seas Education Association - $3,000

• Working with the Media & User Groups to Educate Recreational
  Boaters on Aquatic Invasive Species, Michigan United Conservation
  Clubs - $2,967

• Isle Royale Spiny Water Flea Project, Isle Royale Natural History
  Association - $2,960

• Clinton River Watershed-Wide Aquatic Invasive Species Education
  Program, Clinton River Watershed Council - $3,000

• Glen Lake Association Invasive Species Protection Station –
  Equipment Shed and Education Upgrade, Glen Lake Association
  - $1,500

• Aquatic Invasive Species Survey and Monitoring Plan for Gratiot Lake,
  Keweenaw County, Gratiot Lake Conservancy - $3,000

• “Beaver Island: Ours to Protect” Educational Video, Brochure, and
  Website, Beaver Island Property Owners Association - $3,000

• Aquatic Invasive Species Patrol: A Training Program for Early
  Detection, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council - $3,000

For details on what these projects will accomplish, visit the Office of the Great Lakes’ website at: www.michigan.gov/deqmiglprotectionfund

Funding for the AIS Information and Education Small Grants Program was provided by proceeds from the sale of the 2005 Great Lakes Protection Fund decal.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised February 16, 2006 by Pat Watson