Two Clean Boats, Clean Waters leadership trainings sponsored by Mid-Michigan CISMA
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EmailClean Boats, Clean Waters and Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area collaborate to host free “Train the Trainer” programs in Ingham and Ionia counties in May.
In Michigan it’s unlawful to put any watercraft and carrying trailer into a body of water if there is visible vegetation clinging to it. Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) program volunteers make a big difference at local lakes by helping to prevent the spread of unwanted aquatic hitchhikers on boats, trailers, sporting equipment and other watercraft.
CBCW hero leaders help in the effort to fight aquatic hitchhikers through recruitment and training local volunteers. Some of the problem inland lake invasives include Eurasian water milfoil, curly leaf pondweed, zebra mussel, spiny water flea, rusty crayfish and more. Volunteer involvement that targets boater education helps to curb the spread of aquatic invasive species during watercraft recreation activities.
The Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (MM-CISMA), formed in April 2016, covers Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties. It is a partnership between the county conservation districts and over 25 local organizations. Through education and outreach, identification and reporting, and treatment of invasive species on public lands, the Mid-Michigan CISMA hopes to spread the word. The MM-CISMA received funds through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant program to fund the CBCW training program locally, free of charge.
The Michigan invasive species grant program is the result of combined efforts of the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agriculture and Rural Development. The grant seeks to address strategic issues of prevention, detection, eradication, and control for both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species in Michigan. They have four main objectives to achieve this goal:
- Prevent new introductions through education
- Monitor for new invasives.
- Respond to new findings with eradication efforts.
- Manage and control colonized areas.
The CBCW Volunteer Hero Leader training is a great opportunity for community groups of all types looking to become involved in invasive species education and outreach. This includes fishing clubs, paddling clubs, friends of river groups, parks and recreation staff and students interested in environmental stewardship. This May, two Volunteer Inspection Trainings are available in the CISMA region for training:
- Ingham County- Monday, May 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lansing City Market, 325 City Market Drive, Lansing
- Ionia County- Wednesday, May 10 from 11:30 a.m - 3:00 p.m. Buddy's on the Beach, 1223 Lakeview Drive, Lake Odessa
While there is no charge for this grant-funded event, registrations are required. Please email your reservation request to erin.jarvie@macd.org or call the Ingham Conservation District office at (517) 676-2290 by May 6. Lunch will be provided to registered participants.
CBCW trainings provided through a collaboration with Michigan Lake and Stream Associations and Michigan State University Extension. Volunteer Inspection Training is also available for free online. This year’s live spring trainings are sponsored by the Mid-Michigan CISMA and are funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agriculture and Rural Development.