A project begun this year in the Fort Custer Recreation Area (FCRA) is a three year
research project into control of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It is a multi-pronged approach to control AIS in the FCRA, developed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council is working with public and private entities to develop and implement an integrated lakemanagement plan for the lakes in the FCRA.
The aim of the project is to improve the aquatic environment by managing invasive plant species. Rapidly spreading AIS diminish native plants in our lakes, decreasing plant diversity. Without plant diversity, there is no support for a healthy ecosystem which supports fish, insects and other wildlife.
Funding for this three year project comes as part of the settlement with the Enbridge Co. due to the oil spill of the 6b line in 2010. The implications of this study are widespread because of the large number of lakes in our region. The project includes public outreach and educational components. For more information on this project please see the mlive article posted on August 23, 2018, referenced in the link below. https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2018/08/beetles_weevils_added_to_michi.html#incart_river_index
Also see the press release referenced in the mlive article release by the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council on August 20, 2018 as a separate pdf.
submitted by Denise Clegg
Kalamazoo Garden Council Shop