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Michigan Ag News Headlines |
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Keep Michigan Lakes and River 'Great: Stewardship Matters
Michigan Ag Connection - 07/16/2018
More than 11,000 inland lakes, 3,200-plus miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and rivers that stretch over 51,000 miles -- that's a lot of reasons to love the Great Lakes State. In fact, there's no spot in Michigan more than 6 miles from an inland lake or wetland.
These inland waters, like other natural treasures, must be protected and maintained, and there's plenty you can do to help ensure our waters and their bounty of wildlife, fish, plants and sheer beauty will be here for generations.
"It's important for everyone who uses and values Michigan's lakes to do their part to protect them," said Joe Nohner, DNR inland lakes analyst. "Our inland lakes face threats from declining water quality, invasive species, changing climate and unnatural shorelines that lack vegetation or woody habitat."
Nohner said there are simple steps we can take to protect the lakes we love.
Be cautious near islands and other shoreline areas. Nesting birds like loons, wood ducks, trumpeter swans and other amazing birds need quiet water to maintain nests and raise their young. Slow down, keep your distance, and watch for signs and buoys that mark nesting areas prone to damage from boating. See a by-county listing of local watercraft controls, including no/slow-wake zones.
Be safe. When on the water, remember your life jacket and watch for severe weather patterns that might affect the day.
Pack out everything you pack in. Ducks, loons, turtles and other animals can become tangled in fishing line, plastic can rings and other litter.
Clean, drain and dry boats and trailers and keep wader boots squeaky clean. Recreational equipment can spread aquatic invasive species to new locations, and zebra mussels, mudsnails, milfoil plants and other invaders can wreak havoc on lakes and streams. Learn more about actions boaters and anglers can take at michigan.gov/invasives.
Volunteer. Clean Boats, Clean Waters recruits "volunteer heroes" to show boaters how to inspect their boats, trailers and gear; Michigan's Clean Water Corps supports volunteers who monitor water quality through its Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, and Adopt-a-Beach volunteers clean up Great Lakes shorelines.
Protect your shore. Lakefront property owners can learn more from the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership about maintaining natural shorelines for fish and wildlife habitat and keeping water clean. Learn how to be recognized through the Michigan Shoreland Stewards program.
Report illegal dumping. If you see it, say it. Call the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
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