Michigan Clean Water Corps
Annual Conference

Seventh Annual Conference Proceedings

The seventh annual Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) conference was held October 24-25, 2011 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center on Higgins Lake near Roscommon, Michigan.

This year's conference showcased presentations from regional experts and Michigan DEQ and DNR staff, and provided training geared toward both beginning and advanced monitoring programs. The 2011 program also featured a number of volunteers from around the state who shared their experiences and lessons learned in volunteer monitoring. Conference topics included native species and invasive species monitoring; leading, managing, and inspiring volunteerism; and much more.

Two optional training sessions on "Mussel Biology, Identification, and Volunteer Opportunities" and "Clean Boats, Clean Waters: Taking Action to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species," were offered on Monday afternoon to kick off the annual conference.

Conference Program and Other Documents:

Conference Program

Conference Attendees

Optional Workshops:

Mussel Biology, Identification, and Volunteer Opportunities

Dr. Renee Sherman Mulcrone, Adjunct Instructor, Eastern Michigan University, Presentation (6.8 mb), and

Joe Rathbun, NPS Monitoring Coordinator, Michgian DEQ, Presentation (1.4 mb)

Additional Handouts: Confusing Mussel Species, Recommended Mussel Books

Clean Boats, Clean Waters: Taking Action to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Dr. Jo Latimore, Michigan State University, Aquatic Invasive Species Overview (2.5 mb), CBCW Training Slides (4.6 mb)

Conference Presentations:

Welcoming Remarks and State of the Program
Bill Dimond, Michigan DEQ, Presentation (0.6 mb)

Awards for New MiCorps Members

Presented by: Bill Dimond, Michigan DEQ, and

Dr. Paul Steen, MiCorps Staff, Huron River Watershed Council

Morning Plenary: Overview of Vulnerable Taxa that Rely on Lakes and Streams and the Role that Volunteers Can Play in Assessing their Status and Conservation Needs

Daria Hyde and Dr. Mike Monfils, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Presentation (9.6 mb)

Breakout Session 1:

Option A: MiCorps 101

Moderator: Dr. Paul Steen, MiCorps Staff, Huron River Watershed Council, with other MiCorps and DEQ Staff, Presentation (1.4 mb)

This session was geared toward those who are new to MiCorps and volunteer monitoring, or those who wanted a refresher. An overview of the program and how to get involved was provided, followed by Q&A from the audience.

Option B: Protecting Native Species in Our Lakes and Streams

Moderator: Jason Frenzel, MiCorps Staff, Huron River Watershed Council

Panelists:

• Mike and Sarah Litch, Glen Lake Association - Lake Management Programs and Fish Habitat Conservation, Presentation (7.0 mb)

• Lori Sargent, Michigan DNR Wildlife Division - Michigan Frog and Toad Survey, Presentation (1.9 mb)

• Daria Hyde, Michigan Natural Features Inventory - Identification, Mapping, and Assessing Vernal Pools in Michigan, Presentation (7.4 mb)

 

Breakout Session 2:

Option A: Lake Monitoring Topics of Interest: Exotic Plants, Control and Bioremediation

Moderator: Dr. Jo Latimore, Michigan State University

Panelists:

• Dr. Lisa Huberty, Michigan DEQ Aquatic Nuisance Control Program - Status of Starry Stonewort Infestations in Michigan                     

(Please contact Dr. Huberty for more information on this presentation.)

• Tom Alwin, Michigan DEQ Aquatic Nuisance Control Program - Bioremediation and the Non-chemical Management of Eurasian Watermilfoil, Presentation (5.3 mb)

• Dr. Lisa Huberty, Michigan DEQ Aquatic Nuisance Control Program - Reduced Sensitivity of Aquatic Plants to Herbicides in Michigan

(Please contact Dr. Huberty for more information on this presentation.)

Option B: Stream Monitoring Programs Presented by Past and Present MiCorps Grantees

Moderator: Dr. Paul Steen, MiCorps Staff, Huron River Watershed Council

Panelists:

• Kathy Worst, Branch County Conservation District, Presentation (2.3 mb)

• Kristin Thomas, Michigan Trout Unlimited, Presentation (1.4 mb)

• Geri Grant, Superior Watershed Partnership, Presentation (8.9 mb)

MiCorps grantees discussed their volunteer stream monitoring programs' successes and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Afternoon Plenary: How Volunteers Can Play a Role in Early Detection and Rapid Response to Invasive Species in Lakes and Streams

Kevin Walters, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Michigan DNR Wildlife Division, Presentation (1.2 mb), and

Phyllis Higman, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Presentation (8.4 mb)

Contacts for More Information:

For more information on the MiCorps program or conference, contact Laura Kaminski, MiCorps staff, Great Lakes Commission, 734-971-9135, laurak@glc.org.