Michigan program awards invasive species funds for 32 projects

Lansing — The state of Michigan announced that 32 projects will share $3.6 million in funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program for efforts that address the prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.

The program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources Grant funds will support several early detection and response efforts for several watch list invasive species.

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Efforts include:

• Surveying and treating hemlock woolly adelgid on the northern edge of the infestation in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

• Conducting surveys for hemlock woolly adelgid in the Upper Peninsula.

• Using environmental DNA monitoring to detect hemlock woolly adelgid in high-priority areas and to better identify and predict the insect’s spread.

• Conducting survey and treatment of mile-a-minute weed infestations in Calhoun County.

• Tracking the progress of beech leaf disease symptoms.

Funding also will support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species:

• Improving the effectiveness of Eurasian watermilfoil chemical treatments by genetically screening milfoil populations to determine their response to herbicides. 

•Building a network to enhance information about, and response to aquatic invasive species in northern Michigan.

• Continuing support for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.