Researchers from Michigan State University surveyed 78 lakes in northern Michigan to gain a better understanding of the vegetation within to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of macrophytes in Michigan’s inland lakes.

A primary objective of the project was aimed at demonstrating how a larger dataset informs application approval and thus macrophyte management, with the hope that the model can be used across the state in the future as there are several factors to consider with aquatic vegetation removal.

Using the surveys explored in the MDNR project, the team can focus on efficient and cost-effective ways of finding invasive macrophytes before they pose serious problems and they consulted with biologists in the management units to identify high-priority lakes, as well as ones that would allow for sufficient data collection in the project timeframe.

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Freshwater education and research across the state has too often been an independent pursuit. Until now. As part of a state-wide initiative called the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin (FCW), 16 participants (mostly freshman) in the UW System would spend their first semester on campus all taking the same set of three science-based courses organized around this freshwater theme.

The goal is to increase Wisconsin student’s access to learning opportunities across the state and to set

young scientists on freshwater career paths, as well as explore the economic potential of clean, available freshwater for industry and tourism.

All in all, the project is a big win for the state of Wisconsin, its freshwater resources and the future scientists, policymakers and engineers who will make sure that our inland waterways remain an integral part of our lives.

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