By Paul J Sniadecki, MLSA Board Director
For a few decades, Michigan has prepared a Statement Management Plan (SMP) for Invasive Species. For years the SMP has had a “Watch List” for Invasive Species not yet found in Michigan. The point being we do not want those invasives in Michigan and significant effort should be made to keep them from invading our state. The list was developed based on the observed/documented significant damage such species have caused in other states where they have taken hold.
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) on the Michigan Watch List are: Parrot Feather Watermilfoil, European Frog-bit, Yellow Floating Heart, Water Hyacinth, European Water Clover, Water Lettuce, Water Chestnut, Hydrilla, Water Soldier, and Brazilian Elodea. Unfortunately, some of the AIS Watch List species have invaded Michigan and the Watch List species are among us….in our lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds.
In April 2019, the DEQ/EGLE, DNR, and MDARD, issued their “2018 Summary of Michigan’s AIS Early Detection & Response Initiative” brochure showing that 6 of the 10 Watch List AIS species have been found in Michigan water bodies around the state. The brochure also provides a brief description of the rapid response the State led Early Detection Response (EDR) Team is taking to control the infestations/contaminations of: Parrot Feather, Watermilfoil, European Frog-bit, Yellow Floating Heart, Water Hyacinth, European Water Clover, and Water Lettuce. For more information: http://arcg.is/1jKCXy