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Michigan's Invasive Species Community

2016 AIS Landing Blitz - Save the Date/Registration


Claire Peterson
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Michigan’s third annual aquatic invasive species "Landing Blitz" outreach event is scheduled for July 1 through July 10, 2016 as part of Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week and you’re invited to participate! 

The Landing Blitz is a collaborative outreach campaign to raise awareness about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through recreational boating and related activities. This year’s Landing Blitz will build on the previous events (We had 52 host locations in 2015!).  Local volunteer partners will deliver consistent messaging about preventing the introduction and spread of AIS from the movement of watercraft and equipment between water bodies at both public and private boating access sites throughout the state. Media involvement (press releases, local news stories, etc.) will also be used to create a larger impact.

More specifically, local partners such as lake associations, conservation districts, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) and others will be empowered to meet with boaters during the event period to deliver messaging that includes:

·         “Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose” and “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!”

·         Clean Boats Clean Waters program awareness and principles

·         Boat washing & equipment decontamination procedures (with and without a mobile or permanent wash station)

·         Reporting protocols for watch list species and others

·         Awareness of specific regulations (Part 413 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act PA 451 of 1994, Fisheries Order 245 Fish Disease Control, etc.)

·         Proper bait disposal

We’re inviting you and/or your organization to volunteer as a Landing Blitz host at a boating access site in your local area on at least one day during the event period (July 1 – July 10). In return, we’ll help coordinate statewide participation, messaging and promotion of the event. When you sign up you’ll receive talking points, templates for press releases, and be invited to attend an informational teleconference call for all interested participants in the weeks prior to the event.  Additionally, outreach and promotional materials such as signs, event-themed microfiber towels, etc. will be provided as giveaways for use during the event.

As a participant, you’ll need to commit to hosting the event at a local boating access site on the date/s and time of your choosing within the event period and provide at least a couple volunteers to interact with boaters and deliver messaging during the event.  You can view a brief video recap from previous years here.

With your help, the AIS Landing Blitz will encourage recreational boaters to take action to prevent AIS and help raise awareness for this important issue in Michigan.

Registration as a location host is open until May 31, 2016. To officially register for the event, send Kevin Walters (WaltersK3@michigan.gov) an email with the following information:

Your name & affiliation
Contact information
Event location (County, waterbody, and name of boat ramp if possible)
Intended event date/s

Kevin will follow up with you as more information becomes available!

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