Aquatic nuisance species continue to be a natural resource challenge in the US, especially in the great lakes

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Department of Natural Resources Illinois a $534,016 Project Grant under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 15.662) to address aquatic nuisance species issues in the Great Lakes region. The grant supports the following key objectives:

Extension engagement and development of early detection resources, such as aquatic invader field guides and shoreline planting guides produced in partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden. The grant also aims to determine how water quality in the Chicago Waterway System and Lake Michigan affects the stress levels, survival, and behaviors of the aquatic scud species Apocorophium lacustre. Additionally, the grant will fund intensive trapping of the invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the North Shore Channel to reduce its spread and improve trapping methods. The three-year project period runs from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.

Strides have been made to address lingering and necessary priorities. The objectives of this grant is as follows:extension engagementearly detection resources - aquatic invader field guideshoreline planting guides - partnership with chicago botanic gardendetermine how water quality in the chicago area waterway system and lake michigan affects stress levels, survival, and behaviors of scud (apocorophium lacustre)intensively trap red swamp crayfish (procambarus clarkii) in the north shore channel to reduce chance of spread and improve trapping methods