Official Proclamation -
Press Release - Get Involved
Events and Activities -
Volunteer Opportunities
-
Contact Us
Statement of Purpose
: Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed
June 1-8, 2008
as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in
Michigan
to encourage people to help protect our waters by taking steps to prevent the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species.
Aquatic invasive species or AIS are waterborne, non-native organisms that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or threaten a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activity. A pproximately 183 aquatic invasive species have been introduced into the
Great Lakes
from around the world.
Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn about aquatic invasive species, their impacts on
Michigan
waters, as well as what you can do to prevent their introduction and spread in your local area and throughout the state.
The good news is that there are prevention steps that we can take when boating, fishing, and otherwise enjoying the water that can help prevent the spread of invasive species. Before taking your boat or equipment to a new waterbody:
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Inspect and remove plants, animals, and mud from your boat and equipment;
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Drain all water from your boat's live wells, bilge, motor, etc.;
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Dispose of your unwanted live bait in the trash;
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Wash your boat and equipment with high-pressure or hot water, especially if moored for more than a day; or
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Dry your boat and equipment thoroughly for at least 5 days
Get Involved
Events and Activities
February 29 - Michigan Invasive Plant Council Workshop
March 5 - AIS Stakeholder Meeting
March 29 - Invasive Plants 201: A Workshop for the Thoughtful GardenerApril 4 - Michigan State University's Invasive Species Initiative
April 22 - Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Earth Day Event
May/June - Purple Loosestrife Beetle Collection Days
May 29 - Friends of the Detroit River Aquatic Invasive Species Forum
June 3-4 - Predicting Impacts of Invasive Species on Lake Michigan Food Webs Workshop
June 7-8 - Clinton River Watershed Council River Days
June 7-8 - Michigan DNR Free Fishing Weekend
June 10-11 - Organisms in Trade Workshop
June 20 - Phragmites Control Demonstration Project Media Event
June 21 - Invasive Species Workshop, Flushing Township Nature Park
July 1 - Wonders of the Great Lakes exhibit, Detroit Science Museum
July 2-3 - Inland Seas Education Association, Invasive Species Course
July 17-18, 28-30 - Inland Seas Education Association, Invasive Species Field Course
Volunteer Opportunties
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
DNR Volunteer Stewardship Programs
Michigan Stewardship Network Events
Michigan Nature Association
The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Chapter
Contact Information
For more information about other activities occurring in your area, contact your local state, county or city park or your local Chamber of Commerce, municipality or lake association.
For more information contact:
Office of the Great Lakes
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box
30473
Lansing
,
MI
48909-7973
Phone: 517-335-4056
Fax: 517-335-4053
Email:
finnelle@michigan.gov
Photo credit Sheryl
Marsh @ Supergirl designs for the graphic artwork