Myriophyllum spicatum
Eurasian watermilfoil

Western Upper Peninsula
Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area

Currently we are focused on aquatic invasive species. Our area of interest is Gogebic and Iron Counties and the Ottawa National Forest.

Ownerships are federal townships, county, and private. We are fortunate that our local ecosystem is still mostly free of invasive species, and our goal is to control what is already here, and to prevent further spread into our area. By cooperating together, we can share resources and expertise across ownership and political boundaries to more efficiently manage invasive species.

Our Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area (CWPMA) cover 2.5 million acres, and includes over 700 lakes, and 150 public boat access points. Almost all of our lakes are still healthy and diverse, but are under increasing threat from newly-arrived aquatic invasive species. Eurasian watermilfoil is documented in 15 lakes, and curly leaf pondweed, mystery snails, and zebra mussels are each documented in one lake.

For more information contact either:

Links:

Slowing the lake to lake spread of aquatic invasive species by recreational boaters. Center for Aquatic Conservation. 2008 -- NEW

Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Inland Lakes and Streams
Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit Application Fees: MDEQ 1/8/08 presentation
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
Michigan Sea Grant
Minnesota Sea Grant, Aquatic Invasive Species
Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Ottawa National Forest Invasive Plant Information
Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Com., Exotic Plant Information Center
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet
Iron County Conservation District