Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI): US Forest Service: Cooperative Weed Management Area Funding: Enhancing Ecosystems of the MRW through Invasive Species Detection, Education, & Control

Project Award: 

$70,800.00
 

Project Timeline: 

Spring 2020 to December 2022

Outdoor recreation is a substantial component of Northwoods communities in WRISC’s service area & has been identified as a primary pathway of invasive species introduction & spread. To combat this, WRISC proposes efforts to inventory high-traffic recreational areas, mainly off-road trails & public accesses, & determine current distributions of & control several priority IS, like Buckthorn, Eurasian Watermilfoil, etc, which threaten recreational opportunities. WRISC seeks to empower local communities to engage in IS management by offering trainings to landowners & workdays for students. Efforts effectively build on WRISC’s momentum throughout the area, allowing for continued benefit to the Menominee River Watershed & its natural communities.

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​Preventing the spread of invasive species is a high priority for all levels of stake holders in the WRISC management area where tourism and outdoor recreation are primary economic drivers. The long-term benefits of this project include, but are not limited to: promoting a long term behavioral shift through increased awareness and management activities; reduced spread of invasive species by enhanced location data; increased public knowledge of recreational hygiene; heightened protection of high quality ecosystems; and engagement of regional stakeholders and organizational Partners in survey and management decision-making.

Project Goals

Project Award: 

$70,800.00
 

Project Timeline: 

Spring 2020 to December 2022

Goal 1: Inventory key recreational pathways for priority invasive species threatening the ecosystem function & biodiversity of habitats throughout the MRW.

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Goal 2: Through education initiatives & workshop events, empower local communities to engage in informed, integrated invasive species management efforts.

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​Goal 3: Implement monitoring & integrated management efforts across the MRW project area, targeting priority species & locations, such as leading edges or pioneering populations.

 

Project Updates

Project Award: 

$70,800.00
 

Project Timeline: 

Spring 2020 to December 2022

Updates will be posted soon!