There are so many ways to help in today’s world - so many ways that it is easy to become overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Below is an article from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that details not only the problems our Great Lakes face, but also steps you can take and events you can participate in to make a difference.
Preventing the spread of aquatic inasive species
Many aquatic invasive species – non-native plants and animals that can disrupt the natural ecosystem, tourism and the economy – are easily spread by boaters and anglers who use their equipment in multiple bodies of water without properly cleaning it.
As part of efforts to manage aquatic invasive species, a habitat enhancement project at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta, Michigan, recently kicked off. The DNR is working with Kieser & Associates, an environmental science and engineering firm in Kalamazoo, on a plan to enhance the recreation area’s habitat by managing aquatic invasive species in its lakes. The project is funded through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment as part of the settlement levied against Enbridge Energy in connection with the July 2010 oil release on Line 6B into the Kalamazoo River.
In addition to aquatic plant surveys, which have found invasive species in all of Fort Custer’s lakes, the three-year project will include several different treatments to control these species. This will help determine the best long-term, cost-effective options for invasive species management in the lakes. The project also involves a public outreach and educational component to help park visitors understand their role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
You can help by following these simple steps:
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Clean boats, trailers and equipment.
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Drain live wells, bilges and all water from boats.
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Dry boats and equipment.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Learn more about preventing the spread of invasive species at michigan.gov/invasives.
Help clean up Michigan's waters
Are you passionate about Michigan’s waters?
Consider joining a local public advisory council if you live near one of Michigan’s “Areas of Concern” – waterways that are recovering from historic pollution and environmental effects. Each area’s recovery is supported by a group of community members who provide local expertise and participate in volunteer activities.
In 1987, 14 Michigan sites were designated as Areas of Concern under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Since then, federal, state and local partners have restored two of the areas and are making progress on the others. Local public advisory councils are key to restoring these waters, and anyone can join.
Learn about efforts to restore these places on the Areas of Concern webpage and connect with a local group through your state coordinator.
Give us your input on state forrest planning
Michigan’s 4 million acres of state forest land require a lot of careful planning to keep them healthy and thriving. That’s why the DNR finalizes plans for each forest management unit two years in advance of when any management activities – prescribed burns, timber harvests or tree thinning, for example – will take place.
This summer and fall, forest management recommendations for 2020 are being presented at open houses within those forest management units, giving people the opportunity to speak with foresters, wildlife biologists and other resource professionals. Upcoming open houses include:
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Roscommon Forest Management Unit – Sept. 12 in Roscommon
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Sault Ste. Marie Forest Management Unit – Sept. 18 in Naubinway and Sept. 19 in Kincheloe
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Gwinn Forest Management Unit – Sept. 26 in Ishpeming
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Crystal Falls Forest Management Unit – Oct. 3 in Crystal Falls
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Shingleton Forest Management Unit – Oct. 4 in Shingleton
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Newberry Forest Management Unit – Oct. 16 in Newberry
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Grayling Forest Management Unit – Oct. 17 in Grayling
About a month after each forest management unit’s open house, a public compartment review meeting also will take place. That’s where the foresters will present their final decisions on management activities for that unit. Compartment review meetings coming up include:
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Roscommon Forest Management Unit – Sept. 27 in Roscommon
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Sault Ste. Marie Forest Management Unit – Oct. 2 in Naubinway
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Gwinn Forest Management Unit – Oct. 17 in Ishpeming
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Shingleton Forest Management Unit – Oct. 23 in Shingleton
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Crystal Falls Forest Management Unit – Oct. 25 in Crystal Falls
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Newberry Forest Management Unit – Oct. 30 in Newberry
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Grayling Forest Management Unit – Nov. 8 in Grayling
For more information – including a link to the interactive forest map showing details of forest management activities, and the forest open house and compartment review schedules – visit the public input section of the DNR’s michigan.gov/forestry webpage.
