This project will continue control efforts for four focal species of invasive plants purple loosestrife eurasian watermilfoil narrow leaf cattail and european frog bit on tribally significant…

This $100,000 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 15.662) will continue control efforts for four invasive plant species - purple loosestrife, Eurasian watermilfoil, narrow leaf cattail, and European frog bit - on tribally significant coastal wetlands of the St. Marys River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In addition to invasive plant removal, the project will lead native plant restoration efforts and assess native plant repopulation in these coastal ecosystems. The grant recipient, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, will also conduct fisheries invasive species sampling in high priority habitats and implement community engagement and education initiatives, including outreach at powwows, fishing tournaments, and boat wash events, as well as an invasive species spotter rapid response campaign. The project period runs from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.

This project will continue control efforts for four focal species of invasive plants purple loosestrife eurasian watermilfoil narrow leaf cattail and european frog bit on tribally significant coastal wetlands of the ST. Marys river in the eastern upper peninsula of michigan. In addition to removing invasive plants we will lead native plant restoration efforts in coastal ecosystems and assess whether native plants have begun to repopulate areas where they were reintroduced. We will carry out fisheries AIS seasonal sampling throughout the designated areas with special attention to high priority and diverse habitats using a range of sampling methods. Community engagement and education efforts include booths at POW WOW fairs and fishing tournaments boat wash events and the implementation of an invasive species spotter rapid response campaign.