Benzie Conservation District
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Aquatic Invasive Species

We are committed to protecting our beautiful northern Michigan waters, and we're pleased to include aquatic invasive species prevention and detection in our services.
​Read below to see what you and we can do to deal with problematic aquatic species.

Check out our latest News!

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Check out our new video on Freshwater Sponges!

Check out our new video on Aquatic Plant Surveys!

- NEWS -

12/18/2019
​The Benzie Conservation District is pleased to share that our
​Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program has been selected for funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, a collaboration between the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and Natural Resources. 

     With funding of $126,700, this program will seek to expand much-needed educational outreach into Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee counties regarding the issue of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Over the following three years, this award will help the district to hire necessary staff to provide boat wash services, share public outreach on clean boating practices, lead children's educational programs, monitor waterways for AIS, and improve regional "water ethics" as a whole.

   There are many things conservation groups and citizens together can do to gain traction in the fight against AIS. Mainly, if we focus on the many pathways new species enter our environment, we can prevent infestation in the first place.
​We look forward to serving these counties through illuminating stakeholders on these actions, and working as a community to protect our incredible watersheds. 
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Boat Wash & Outreach Program
​2018 Field Season At-A-Glance

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Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program (AISPP)
​
The BCD received Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program funds in 2017 to commence a program focused on aquatic invasive species pathways. The project has taken place at public boat launches across three counties to-date, providing educational boat wash events through the spring and summer seasons.

Unknown by many water recreation enthusiasts, if precautions are not taken, we run the risk of spreading harmful species from one body of water to another.
This region boasts some of the country's most beautiful fresh water resources, and we are happy to work towards improved public awareness of a very real threat: aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Want us to lead a boat wash event at your Lake or River?
Check our calendar below and contact Jane Perrino at jane@benziecd.org or
231-882-4391.
​We are available May - September. 
​NatureChange VIDEOS
Time to Clean, Drain and Dry!
Controlling Aquatic Invaders


RESOURCES
​
Michigan's AIS State Management Plan
MI Invasive Species Profiles

REPORT

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
USGS AIS Sighting Report Form

READ
​
What is a "CISMA"?​

SCHEDULE
See our Calendar for AIS Events
CHECK THIS PROGRAM OUT ON Facebook!
                                               ON Instagram!

AIS program hits the Platte River with Benzie High School students to snorkel the river & learn about aquatics! Click here to view news report:
NEWS RELEASE

Featured Video: What's the Connection between AIS and Duck Hunting?

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Pathways Project   ||   Event Dates

AIS Pathways Program Events 2020

TBD
The Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program
was funded in part with funds from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through
the Departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development. 
Also, grants from the Huron-Manistee National Forest and Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation Inc., as well as Benzie County township
contributions: Almira, Blaine, Benzonia, Crystal Lake, Homestead and Lake have made aspects of this program possible. 

Location

Contact us

By Phone
231.882.4391

By Email
benziecd@benziecd.org

By Mail
280 Benzie Boulevard
POB 408
Beulah, MI 49617

Contact individual staff members

​

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  • Home
    • Events
    • Calendar
  • About
    • Annual Reports
    • Benzie Natural Resource Assessment
    • BCD Policies
    • Board Directors & Meetings
    • Hinkle Nature Preserve Project
    • Staff
    • Volunteer
    • Links
    • Contact Us
  • Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Programs & Services
    • Critical Dunes
    • District Shorts: Video Series
    • Education & Outreach >
      • Beach Clean Ups
      • Benzie: Plastic Awareness Collective
      • District Readers
      • EARTH DAY
      • Leave No Trace/Salmon in the Classroom
      • Nuts 4 Nature
      • Nature Hikes
    • Forestry Assistance Program >
      • ATREP
      • FAP Form
      • Forestry Education & Media
      • Forestry Events
      • Forest Pests & Diseases
      • Forestry Referrals
    • Invasive Species
    • Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
    • Natural Resources Conservation Services
    • Produce Safety
  • SEEDLING SALES
  • Benzie Waters
    • Benzie Watersheds Coalition
    • Platte and Betsie River Clean Sweeps
    • Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program
    • Watersheds
  • Store
    • Shipping Policy
  • Donations
    • Garden Party: Nature Art Auction