The michgian department of natural resources will control invasive species, specifically targeting six of the watch list terrestrial plant species in michigan

Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 awarded a $550,000 cooperative agreement to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on October 1, 2026, under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to control invasive terrestrial plant species across Michigan through December 31, 2028.

The recipient will create an early detection response plan for lesser celandine, Michigan's newest terrestrial invasive species watch-list plant, develop best management documents to empower landowners in controlling and mitigating watch-list species, and survey for watch-list species at known vehicle response staging areas and clean-up brush dump sites. Deliverables include control of 50 acres of watch-list species, survey of 5,000 acres of highly-impacted lands, and implementation of 10 rapid response activities. The work targets six watch-list terrestrial plant species and is intended to enhance and protect critical habitat by reducing the spread of invasive species in Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Grand Haven, Hastings, Jackson, and Gaylord, Michigan.

A sub-recipient will complete on-the-ground survey and treatment for invasive species. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced protection of critical habitat across the six designated cities in Michigan where residents are the intended beneficiaries.

Activities:the activities include: creating an early detection response plan for the lesser celedine (michigan's newest terrestrial invasive species watchlist plant), developing best management documents to empower landowners to control watch list species and mitigate watch list species, and surveying for watch list species at known vehicle response staging areas and clean-up brush dump sites. Subrecipient:subaward activities include: completing on the ground survey and treatment for invasive species. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the control of 50 acres of watch list species, survey of 5,000 acres of highly-impacted lands and implementation of 10 rapid response activities. The expected outcomes include this control work will enhance and continue to protect critical habitat by reducing the spread of the terrestrial watch list species. The intended beneficiaries include are the residents of the michigan's cities muskegon, sault STE. Marie, grand haven, hastings, jackson, and gaylord.