This project expands capacity to better serve rural communities with a special focus on the beaver island archipelago to implement 15 acres of invasive species removal from 100 acres on the island and…

The Antrim Conservation District received a $100,000 Project Grant awarded on July 29, 2025, under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 9 - Eastern Region. The grant funds capacity expansion to serve rural Michigan communities, with particular emphasis on the Beaver Island Archipelago. The project delivers invasive species removal services across 15 acres of a 100-acre target area on island and mainland shorelines, targeting phragmites, narrowleaf cattail, and spotted knapweed. Additionally, the project provides habitat survey services across 600 acres of priority coastal and riparian habitat aligned with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and Charlevoix-Antrim-Kalkaska-Emmet (CAKE) regional priorities.

The grant also supports volunteer engagement and community participation, with the project mobilizing 200 volunteers to conduct invasive species removal and habitat restoration activities. Complementing the removal work, the project delivers native plant establishment and shoreline stabilization services designed to enhance ecosystem resilience and biodiversity. The performance period extends through August 3, 2027, allowing for comprehensive implementation of on-the-ground restoration activities in Michigan's northern region.

This project expands capacity to better serve rural communities with a special focus on the beaver island archipelago to implement 15 acres of invasive species removal from 100 acres on the island and service area mainland shorelines. Target species are phragmites, narrowleaf cattail, and spotted knapweed. The partner will engage 200 volunteers to remove invasive species on high-quality coastal and riparian habitat in the service area and survey 600 acres of priority habitat targeting great lakes restoration initiative (glri) and charlevoix antrim kalkaska emmet (cake) priority species. The project will foster shoreline stabilization with native plants and increasing ecosystem resilience to disturbance through greater biodiversity.