{"id":973,"date":"2013-03-25T13:37:08","date_gmt":"2013-03-25T17:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixmilelakeassociation.org\/?page_id=973"},"modified":"2017-02-20T06:55:28","modified_gmt":"2017-02-20T11:55:28","slug":"education-program-to-id-new-invasives-in-the-watershed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sixmilelakeassociation.org\/invasive-species\/education-program-to-id-new-invasives-in-the-watershed\/","title":{"rendered":"Education Program to ID New Invasive Species in The Watershed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Statement of Water Quality Concern(s)\/Issues:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The introduction and spread of non-native aquatic species in Michigan\u2019s surface waters is an issue of great concern, both environmentally and economically. Over 180 non-native aquatic species have been documented in the Great Lakes, many of which have become so prolific and problematic that they have been labeled \u201caquatic invasive species\u201d. These invasive species have myriad negative impacts on Michigan\u2019s aquatic ecosystems, including the displacement or loss of native aquatic organisms, alterations in the food web and nutrient cycling, and water quality degradation. Annual economic costs associated with aquatic invasive species are estimated to be in the range of $200 million dollars for the Great Lakes region alone (Lodge 2008). These costs are attributed to aquatic invasive species impacts that negatively affect commercial and sports fisheries, raw water use, and wildlife viewing.<\/p>\n

Several of the most problematic aquatic invasive species have only recently appeared in or near the Elk River Chain of Lakes (ERCOL) Watershed. Invasive Phragmites, a tall perennial grass that dominates wet areas, has started to appear on Lake Michigan shoreline in areas adjacent to the ERCOL, but thus far, it has not been found in any of the water bodies of the ERCOL. Purple loosestrife, another invasive plant inhabiting and dominating wet areas, has become established in some areas of the ERCOL, but not too populous to feasibly control. Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, submergent invasive aquatic plants that grow very densely and outcompete natives, are present in the ERCOL Watershed, but both are still quite limited in distribution. Zebra mussels have invaded most water bodies in the ERCOL, but quagga mussels remain held at bay and have not yet been found in the ERCOL. Other aquatic invasive species considered imminent threats to the ERCOL Watershed because they are found in or near Michigan include starry stonewort, European frog-bit, water hyacinth, water lettuce, Brazilian water-weed, flowering rush, parrot-feather watermilfoil, and hydrilla.<\/p>\n

Impacts to aquatic ecosystems and local economies of the ERCOL by aquatic invasive species can be dramatically lessened through early detection and response. Monitoring the ERCOL for the five aquatic invasive species listed above, as well as others, is a crucial element for successful implementation of the early detection and response strategy, which must be done on a regular basis by knowledgeable personnel. Invasive species infestations found during regular monitoring efforts are presumably limited in occurrence and areal extent and therefore, less costly and easier to control. If able to successfully contain or potentially, eradicate a recently introduced aquatic invasive species by rapidly implementing control measures, then chances of spreading, growing out of control, and negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems and local economies are greatly reduced. The MDEQ- and EPA-approved Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Management Plan recognizes the need to monitoring invasive species as detailed in Task 3 under Invasive Species Implementation Task Category:<\/p>\n