We're looking for your input on Michigan's draft Aquatic Invasive Species State Management Plan
Join staff from the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, and
Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Michigan Sea Grant in Lansing, MI on Thursday
April 12th to provide feedback on the draft AIS State Management Plan. The Plan covers
prevention of AIS introduced through pathways such as recreational boating, anglers, organisms
in trade (e.g. water gardens and release of pets), and ballast water. Sections on early
detection/rapid response and management/control are also included. This meeting is for
landowners, NGOs, business owners, industry representatives, local governments, volunteer
groups, etc.
Participate in the conversation and provide input on strategic actions to prevent and manage AIS
in Michigan. View the draft Plan and RSVP for the meeting at
www.michigan.gov/aquaticinvasives
Sarah
Sarah LeSage
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(517)241-7931
lesages@michigan.gov
March 23, 2012
12-0323
For More Information
Sarah LeSage, 517-241-7931, lesages@michigan.gov
Brad Wurfel, 517-373-7917, wurfelb@michigan.gov
Michigan’s aquatic invasive species plan updated
Public comment sought on draft management strategy
The DEQ today announced the draft Aquatic Invasive Species State Management Plan is
available for public comment, and a public meeting is scheduled in April to discuss the draft
plan.
The AIS State Management Plan details existing and proposed strategic actions needed to
prevent the introduction and spread of AIS, and to limit the harmful effects in Michigan waters.
Invasive species negatively impact Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems, creating environmental and
economic consequences.
Michigan’s original AIS State Management Plan was completed in 1996 under the auspices of
the National Invasive Species Act, and last updated in 2002. It offers a comprehensive strategic
guide for state agencies charged with responding to existing invasive species and preventing
the introduction of new ones.
Where the original plan focused largely on responding to specific invasive species, the draft
update announced today places stronger emphasis on blocking pathways of AIS introduction
and spread. Strategies for the early detection of AIS and rapid response actions to manage
them are also included in the draft plan.
The draft management plan update is a collaborative effort involving several state agencies,
including the DEQ and state departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural
Development, and Transportation. Plan authors solicited input from partners and stakeholders
to identify gaps and strengthen the overall plan. Feedback received from previous public
meetings and comment periods in 2008 and 2009 also contributed to the current plan.
A public meeting is scheduled April 12 at the Best Western Plus in Lansing, from 12:45 - 4:45
p.m. This meeting will provide more background on the AIS State Management Plan and give
interested parties the opportunity to provide feedback and comments.
The meeting is open to the public and intended for anyone with a vested interest and/or concern
for AIS issues in Michigan. Breakout sessions will provide participants the opportunity to share
comments on AIS issues associated with boating and ballast water, organisms in trade and
habitat alteration, AIS management and control, and early detection and rapid response. While
there is no fee to attend the public meeting, advance registration is requested.
The draft AIS State Management Plan is available for review at
www.michigan.gov\deqaquaticinvasives.
The Web site also offers additional meeting details and instructions for submitting comments,
which are accepted through May 1. For more information, contact Sarah LeSage of DEQ’s
Water Resources Division at lesages@michigan.gov.
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