Volunteers Needed to Remove Aquatic Invasive Species in Alpena
OutdoorHub 06.26.14
MUCC’s On the Ground program, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Healing Our Waters coalition are coordinating a volunteer day to remove aquatic invasive species. Those interested are encouraged to come out Saturday, July 12th, to help pull invasive European frog-bit from the wildlife sanctuary.
When a new aquatic invasive species is discovered it is critical to respond quickly in order to keep it under control. European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus ranae) was once only found at a few sites in southeastern Michigan, but last year it was discovered in Saginaw Bay, Alpena, and Munuscong Bay in Chippewa County. It forms large very dense mats that quickly take over available surface water which blocks sunlight to submersed plants, decreases biodiversity, inhibits watercraft movement, and can limit the movement of waterfowl and large fish. European frog-bit forms large free floating masses of miniature lily pads and one way to remove this aquatic invasive plant is by hand pulling it.
On July 12th volunteers will meet at the parking lot in Duck Park in Alpena, MI at 8:00AM. Volunteers will be paddling around the area pulling frog-bit with rakes and putting it into buckets. Bringing your own canoes or kayaks is appreciated but some will be available for those who do not have one. After the project, MUCC will be grilling up lunch along with giving away T-shirts and free digital subscriptions to Michigan OutofDoors Magazine. More information can be found along with a sign up form on mucc.org/ontheground.
On the Ground (OTG) is a partnership between Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to build a conservation community through volunteer fish and wildlife habitat projects. Outdoor Life awarded On the Ground with its inaugural Open Country Award for improving wildlife habitat on publicly accessible land.
On the Ground is funded by grants from the Michigan DNR, Consumers Energy Foundation, Enbridge Energy Partners, Healing our Waters, and the Community Reinvestment Fund, which is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Sustainable Communities program to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission as part of the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability and is administered by the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council.
