Natural shoreline topics featured at upcoming lakes convention
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EmailDay 3 of inaugural Michigan Inland Lakes Convention will showcase current natural shoreline research findings and the latest in Phragmites management and control.
Lakefront property owners, shoreline contractors and natural resource managers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the morning of May 3, 2014 when two ninety-minute sessions will focus on shoreline issues and findings. Certified Natural Shoreline Professionals (CNSP) should note that two continuing education units (CEUs) are available for attending either of these Saturday morning sessions (four CEUs for attending both sessions).
For 2014, the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership’s annual Shoreline and Shallows Conference has been rolled into the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.
It is common practice to utilize plug and container plantings in natural shoreline projects. The 8 – 9:30 a.m. session on May 3 will be co-presented by Jim Bess, PhD candidate at Michigan Technological University and Jane Herbert, Senior Water Resource Educator, Michigan State University Extension. This session will explore the use and performance of native plant seedings in the context of three natural shoreline research projects – two in the Upper Peninsula and one in the Lower Peninsula.
Photo: Jane Herbert and Jim Bess lead discussion about a natural shoreline research project located on the Portage Waterway which cuts across the Keweenaw Peninsula. Credit: Bonnie Hay
A major threat to shoreline vegetation is the invasive Phragmites plant. The 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. session on May 3 will be co-presented by Brian Majka, Restoration Ecologist with Cardno JFNew and Kile Kucher, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This session will provide insights from both the state agency and the private contractor perspective and will explore all the options available to prevent and control Phragmites in Michigan.
Registration is now open for the inaugural Michigan Inland Lakes Convention, May 1-3, 2014 at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Mich. Register by March 1 to take advantage of the early bird discount -- just $85 for all three days (not including lodging and meals). Or register for just one day or two days. Online registration is available through the convention webpage. Lodging and meal packages are available through Boyne Mountain Resort, 1-800-462-6963 -- mention the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention for block room rates.
Photo: Shoreline infested with Phragmites australis. Credit: Kile Kucher, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The 2014 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention is brought to you by the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership, launched in 2008 to promote collaboration to advance stewardship of Michigan’s inland lakes. The Convention is a cooperative effort between many public and private organizations including the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society, Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc., Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the MSU Institute of Water Research.
