A Training for Residents Wanting to Protect the Elk River Chain of Lakes

June 2, 2015

Contact: Kevin Cronk, Director of Monitoring and Research
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

(231) 347-1181 or

Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop - June 17

A training for residents wanting to protect the Elk River Chain of Lakes

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, in partnership with the Antrim Conservation District, will be hosting an Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop on Wednesday, June 17 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Antrim Conservations District office in Bellaire. The 3-hour workshop will teach residents in the Elk River Chain of Lakes area how to identify, document, and report a variety of aquatic invasive species.

The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed is the largest sub-watershed of Grand Traverse Bay and includes over 55 miles of connected lakes and streams in Antrim and Kalkaska Counties. With an area that large, it is difficult for any single organization to keep a continuous eye out for aquatic invaders. “The more trained eyes we have watching over the lakes on a regular basis, the better our chances for early detection and rapid response to eradicate or manage the species before it has serious impacts on the resource,”said Kevin Cronk, Director of Monitoring and Research for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “This workshop will help teach residents what to watch for so they can protect their lakes and streams from harmful invaders.

Aquatic invasive species, also known as “exotic species”or “nuisance species”have economic and ecological impacts, both of which are quite serious. Economically, there are losses in tourism, sports-fisheries, industry, and more. Lost property values on infested waters is also a concern. Ecologically, aquatic invasive species impacts include food-web disruptions, native species reductions or loss, water degradation, and the introduction of pathogens.

“Our hope is to have a large turnout for this informative training”said Cronk. “Local citizens are the key to protecting our waters and our Northern Michigan way of life.”

Thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Water Fund, there is no charge to attend the workshop, however space is limited. Please RSVP by calling the Antrim Conservations District office at (231) 533-8363.

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Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council speaks for our members including full-time and seasonal residents, lake associations, and businesses. We work to maintain the environmental integrity and economic and aesthetic values of lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water in Northern Michigan, as well as statewide and throughout the Great Lakes Basin. As the lead organization for water resources protection in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, the Watershed Council is working to preserve the heritage of Northern Michigan –a tradition built around our magnificent waters.