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:

Get Involved

• Promote AIS Awareness!
• Report new sightings to 1-877-STOP-ANS or (877-786-7267) or the National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Information System 
• Learn more about AIS at www.protectyourwaters.net    
• Get Involved! Handout         

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