The conference will evolve around the theme “Managing Aquatic Invasive Species in Michigan’s Inland Lakes.”
Posted on February 27, 2015 by Bindu Bhakta, Michigan State University Extension and Alisha Davidson, Michigan Lake and Stream Associations
Michigan residents know 
what it means to live by the water. With recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming there is something for everyone to enjoy. Residents also like to indulge in the clean water, picturesque views, and large aquatic habitat that Michigan provides. Despite the efforts made to eliminate aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Great Lakes, nearly 200 different species have managed to establish a large population. Currently established AIS are not only a nuisance to boaters and swimmers, but they can also crowd out native, beneficial aquatic plants. They also may create inferior habitats for wildlife such as fish and birds. Due to the massive biomass of many invasive plants, such as starry stonewort, oxygen levels deplete from the water, harming aquatic wildlife.
Michigan Lake and Stream Associations (ML&SA) is a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and management of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams. One of ML&SA‘s major goals is to help prevent and control the further spread of invasive species in lakes and streams. The theme of their upcoming 54th ML&SA Annual Conference is “Managing Aquatic Invasive Species in Michigan’s Inland Lakes.”
This conference provides an opportunity for all Michigan residents to exchange ideas and work toward preserving the health and value of Michigan’s priceless inland lakes and streams. The conference will include workshops and a variety of presentations. Expert speakers will focus on the importance of prevention, early detection, eradication and community involvement. They will also discuss the latest technologies, methods and strategies for controlling and managing aquatic invasive plants and animals in inland lakes. The conference will host the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program annual volunteer monitor training event.
Registration for the ML&SA 54th Annual Conference is open to the public. For those registering prior to April 17th, full conference registration is $85 and single day registration is $45.00. For those registering after April 17 (walk-in registration welcome), rates will increase to $90 and $50. Registration is free for those who wish to attend only the 2015 MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program training event.
Visit the ML&SA Annual Conference web site at www.mymlsa.org for more information about the event and/or to complete the online conference registration.
For more information about aquatic invasive species, visit the Michigan State University Extension invasive species web site.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu.
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