Upwellings VO LU M E 34 | NU M B E R 4 | D E C E M B E R 2011
COASTLINE LESSONS POLICY OPPORTUNITIES PLANNING ECONOMY COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
Three simple words that, when added up, represent so much more.
TEACHING LEARNING STEWARDSHIP SCIENCE PARTNERS WORKSHOPS ASSESSMENTS EXPLORATION
Upwellings An upwelling occurs in a lake or ocean when strong, steady winds push warm in-shore surface water away from shore causing colder, nutrient-rich water to rise. Upwellings is published quarterly by the Michigan Sea Grant College Program, a cooperative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The program supports understanding and stewardship of the Great Lakes through research, outreach and education. Editorial correspondence regarding Upwellings are welcome. For a subscription, call (734) 764-1118 or visit the Upwellings website: www.miseagrant.umich.edu. When reprinting material, please give credit to “Upwellings, produced by Michigan Sea Grant” and send a copy to: Upwellings Michigan Sea Grant College Program 520 East Liberty St., Suite 310 Ann Arbor, MI 48104
MANAGEMENT TEAM Director: Jim Diana (734) 763-5834, jimd@umich.edu Associate Director: William Taylor (517) 353-0647, taylorw@msu.edu Acting Director: Jennifer Read (734) 936-3622, jenread@umich.edu State Extension Coordinator: Chuck Pistis (616) 458-6805, pistis@msu.edu Communications Director: Elizabeth LaPorte (734) 647-0767, elzblap@umich.edu
STAFF Stephanie Ariganello, Communications Coordinator (734) 615-0400, stephaa@umich.edu Mary Bohling, Southeast Urban Extension (313) 833-3275, bohling@msu.edu Mark Breederland, Northwest Extension (231) 922-4628, breederl@msu.edu Sandra Enness, Communications Manager (517) 353-9723, enness@msu.edu Laura Welsh Florence, Education Specialist (734)647-9730, lwelsh@umich.edu Sonia Joseph Joshi, Regional Extension (734) 741-2283, Sonia.Joseph@noaa.gov Ron Kinnunen, Upper Peninsula (906) 226-3687, kinnune1@msu.edu Elyse Larsen, Fiscal Officer (734) 763-1438, elarsen@umich.edu Todd Marsee, Senior Graphic Artist (734) 764-2421, marsee@umich.edu Dan O’Keefe, Southwest Extension (616) 846-8250, okeefed@mail.msu.edu Amy Samples, Community Outreach Coordinator (734) 647-0766, asamples@umich.edu Brandon Schroeder, Northeast Extension (989) 984-1056, schroe45@msu.edu Steve Stewart, Southeast Extension (586) 469-7431, stew@msu.edu
Diving into
Michigan Sea Grant A YEAR IN REVIEW
Often, when people hear about Michigan SeaDevelop Grant sound for the first time, they don’t While many within the Great Lakes comscientific (including ecoknow what to inexpect. munity are familiar with Michigan Sea Grant, quite nomic) information order to:Or, like a One facet only. friend who suddenly orders dinner in 1. Advance the understanding of the perfect French you didn’t know they spoke, Often when people hear about Michigan Sea nature and value of coastal and Great Lakes work Michigan Sea Grant performs Grant for the first time, they add a “the” to the resources; the name. Or they assume we very singularly can surprise even those familiar with Identify new ways to conserve and use these hand out a grant to study water-related issues. the 2. organization. That range of work is resources; The mystique surrounding Michigan Sea what makes Michigan Sea Grant unique Grant is often an opportunity to provide an Support evaluation of consequences and and3.essential to Michigan’s Great Lakes overview of the National program (there are trade-offs involved in coastal decision-making; landscape. 32 of us in coastal regions of the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and it can be a chance to talk about the diversity of work that we do here specifically at Michigan Sea Grant.
and
As 2011 ends and 2012 begins, we focus 4. Assist with Michigan’s economic transforon the diverse work MSG performed mation. in order to reach program goals during Research, education and outreach – three thisyear, issue of Upwellings, focusnotable on how the Inpast pulling out we some simple words that, when added up, represent we’ve worked to hit that goal during the past highlights from across the program. so much more. They don’t hint at the year, pulling out some notable highlights from complexity of what the program does or who we are. In this issue of Upwellings, we focus on what we’ve done in the last year, pulling out some notable highlights from across the program.
across the program… The driving force behind Michigan Sea Grant is to develop sound scientific information (including economic) in order to: 1. Advance the understanding of the nature and value of coastal and Great Lakes resources; 2. Identify new ways to conserve and use these resources; 3. Support evaluation of consequences and trade-offs involved in coastal decision-making; and 4. Assist with Michigan’s economic transformation.
Rochelle Sturtevant, Regional Extension (734) 741-2287, Rochelle.Sturtevant@noaa.gov Lynn Vaccaro, Coastal Research Specialist (734) 763-1530, lvaccaro@umich.edu Jessica Vera, Accounting Clerk Intermediate (734) 763-1437, jessvera@umich.edu
MICHU-11-803
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Michigan Sea Grant is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Michigan. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are equal opportunity/affirmative action institutions.
ONLINE EDUCATION TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
The Lake Superior camp enabled youth from the Upper Peninsula to tour Munising Bay in a glass bottom boat and to learn about aquatic ecology, using plankton tows and video microscopes. Groups visited two commercial fishing operations. They boarded fishing vessels to learn how trap nets and gill nets work, and they discussed the importance of fishing businesses to local communities. During the Northeast Michigan 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources camp, campers had a chance to go charter fishing, snorkeling or sailing, hike through forests, and wade through wetlands, among other activities.
Raw scientific data is often dense and inaccessible; yet, students take more of an interest in classroom activities when the data they use are real. Michigan Sea Grant recognized that teachers are uncertain about how to access Great Lakes data, but want their students to explore real data in the classroom. Beginning in 2010 and widely expanding in 2011, MSG Education Co-leader Elizabeth LaPorte along with NOAA-Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) scientists and Eastern Michigan University, produced a website Great Lakes Lessons: Teaching with Great Lakes Data. During the past year, Education Specialist Laura Florence and Education Co-leader Steve Stewart facilitated workshops across THE THING THAT I AM PROUD OF IN THE PAST the Great Lakes to introduce teachers YEAR IS… “The K-12 workshops, and webinar, to the lessons and data sets available through the website. Presentations a collaborative effort of Michigan Sea Grant and covered key concepts and learning partners in IL/IN, OH, MI, MN, NY, PA and WI. objectives. Educators learned Teachers really enjoyed the hands-on experience firsthand how to use the website. in using data sets, lessons and activities to address science, technology, engineering and “I am excited to explore more with math. It’s so clear that there are many dedicated students and my coworkers,” said educators who love to learn new tools and apply Lisa Radock, a K-12 educator who new techniques in the classroom.” participated in one of the workshops. “I would love to share this resource NEXT YEAR, LOOK FOR… “New resources with more people.” on the Great Lakes Lessons website, www.greatlakeslessons.com” Michigan Sea Grant hosted its first
This year, northeast campers put their community-conservation leadership skills into practice as they contributed to a coastal inventory of the federally and state-threatened Pitcher’s thistle plant. At three northern Lake Huron properties along the coast, including Besser Natural Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and P. H. Hoeft State Park, campers inventoried and mapped the Pitcher thistle plant using global positioning system (GPS) technology. The inventory of 1,698 plants now documents plant populations that had never before been surveyed.
webinar in order to reach teachers — Elizabeth LaPorte, MSG Education Co-leader and “This year’s GLNR was an absolute in Michigan, Minnesota and Communications Director blast!” said Schuyler Bates, one of the Wisconsin. MSG also enhanced the campers. “We got to use these cool Teaching with Great Lakes Data GPS units and marked the coordiwebsite, adding new data sets and nates where the plants were. Then we guided inquiry tools. The Great were told that the data we collected was going to be used at the lab for Lakes Observing System and COSEE-Great Lakes support the effort. actual use! After camp, I was out in the wetlands with some friends and See: Teaching with Great Lakes Data identified some Pitcher’s thistle plants for them.” www.greatlakeslessons.com See: Science Camp Opportunities www.miseagrant.umich.edu/education
SEA GRANT EDUCATORS REACH YOUTH THROUGHOUT STATE
Eleven years ago, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Ron Kinnunen partnered with 4-H to design a unique summer camp, Life of Lake Superior, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In northeast Michigan, MSG Extension Educator Brandon Schroeder has also paired with 4-H to bring outdoor education via a camping experience to youth from throughout the state. In 2011, both camps allowed Michigan students to learn Great Lakes ecology, explore natural resources management issues, discover environmental projects to do at home, bond with others, and develop leadership skills and discipline all while in the field.
SEA GRANT HELPS PROMOTE COASTAL PLANNING Many coastal communities in Michigan are developing a new vision that will foster sustained economic growth. Maps and other geographic planning tools can enhance this re-visioning process and can help communities to sustainably use cultural and natural resources. Michigan Sea Grant has increased efforts to support rural areas — for example, the Saginaw Bay/Southern Lake Huron area referred to as Michigan’s Thumb. Sea Grant worked closely with the Eastern Michigan Council of Governments (EMCOG) to evaluate coastal access issues and develop
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land use planning tools. As part of the project, Sea Grant helped EMCOG develop the Saginaw Bay Coastal Resource Guide, which includes a series of maps and GIS layers for coastal land use, conservation, and recreation and tourism planning in a five-county area. Sea Grant researchers are using the resource in community workshops and visioning exercises, helping decision-makers see the value of using different types of tools.
Based on stakeholder concerns, in 2011 researchers developed a series of engaging and informative issue briefs that summarize the best available science about human health issues, public perspectives, policy considerations, environmental and navigational impacts and global lessons for both onshore and offshore wind development. These briefs were reviewed by the stakeholder steering committee, designed and published by Michigan Sea Grant, and then In another example, Ontonagon, a small town in the western part of distributed to 75 local officials and state legislators representing five the Upper Peninsula, experienced higher-than-usual unemployment counties. In addition, the team rates when the paper mill closed down developed videos and an active social recently. The town sits on the shores media (Facebook) page to reach of Lake Superior, on the edge of the THE THING THAT I AM PROUD OF IN THE PAST residents and promote dialogue. Porcupine Mountains, and the key to YEAR IS… “The reach that the Lake Erie Harmful Over a six-month period, social moving forward may be connecting Algal Bloom (HAB) Forecast Bulletin, which I media posts were forwarded and people with the waterfront and distribute weekly, has gotten. Our subscriber list viewed 96,000 times. In addition, nearby wilderness. MSG Extension grew from 201 to 450 in 6 months as a result of 12 newspaper articles were published Educator Mark Breederland, along MSG efforts. The subscribers are predominantly about this project. with Michigan State University local managers that rely on the Bulletin for makSee: Wind Assessment Extension Planner Kurt Schindler ing decisions. HABs are a major problem in Lake www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ traveled to Ontonagon and nine other Erie, and this year we saw the largest bloom in research/projects coastal towns this past year to help the lake in history. Therefore, having a decisionfacilitate the process. They introduced support tool like the HAB Forecast was a vital MICHIGAN SEA GRANT the Waterfront Smart Growth Assessand valued tool because local managers have ment Tool aimed at honing planning STUDIES DEMONSTRATE told me time and time again that they need help and self-assessment for waterfront ECONOMIC IMPACT OF with how to address and tackle HAB issues.” towns. Government decision-makers RECREATIONAL FISHING can use the assessment to see their NEXT YEAR, LOOK FOR… “A continued focus on Coastal communities often struggle current status in terms of efficient HAB education and outreach in pertinent areas to balance competing uses for limited waterfront use and opportunity for of the state, like Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay, and waterfront space. Although charter improvement. we hope to eventually extend our forecasts to fishing trips and fishing tournaments other areas as well. ” are popular, local leaders may not See: Southern Lake Huron Assessment recognize their economic impact. — Sonia Joseph Joshi, MSG Outreach Coordinator and www.miseagrant.umich.edu/research/ With funding from Sea Grant’s Program Manager for the NOAA Center of Excellence for projects/huron Coastal Community Development Great Lakes and Human Health program, MSG Extension Educator See: Smart Growth Tools Dan O’Keefe conducted surveys www.landpolicy.msu.edu/sgrat of charter boat operators, charter customers and fishing tournament SEA GRANT RESEARCH HELPS participants throughout 2010. The survey, focusing on people’s travel DECISION MAKERS EVALUATE WIND ENERGY OPTIONS and spending habits, enabled Michigan State University’s Center for Wind energy development is likely to expand in Michigan because Economic Analysis to develop three economic calculators now available utility companies are required to generate 10 percent of their electricity through MSG’s website. At the beginning of this year, O’Keefe worked using renewable sources by 2015. Although wind resources are strong in with Steven R. Miller, director of the MSU Center for Economic Michigan’s coastal areas, wind turbines could conflict with other uses of Analysis to release two economic analysis reports on charter and the coast and trigger public opposition. tournament fishing. Michigan Sea Grant continued to support a research team evaluating the benefits and challenges of wind energy development in coastal West Michigan. The team also worked to develop resources for local planners and decision makers.
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The charter fishing study reveals changes in the industry over the past 20 years and demonstrates important economic impacts. For example, out-of-town customer spending generated nearly $400 million in
benefits for port towns. The Charter Business Revenue and Returns calculator is helping charter captains explore how changing costs, fee structures, and numbers of trips booked each season will affect their bottom line. The study of fishing tournaments found that the 2009 Lake Michigan Tournament Trail generated $852,113 and 21,386 employment hours in ports that hosted tournaments. The economic studies demonstrated both the benefits of recreational fishing and the financial challenges for charter and other small businesses. See: Fisheries Economics www.miseagrant.umich.edu/fisheries/economics/charter
SEA GRANT SUPPORTS EFFORT TO SAVE LIVES
SEA GRANT HELPS WHITEFISH PROCESSORS TURN BYPRODUCTS INTO PROFITS In the Great Lakes, commercial whitefish producers have struggled to stay in business, due to limited opportunities to expand harvest and low dockside prices for fish. In 2009, one fishing operation was fined for improperly disposing of their fish waste, creating an additional economic burden. In response, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, Ron Kinnunen began working with fish producers and processors to develop new strategies for managing unused fish left after processing. In early 2010, MSG organized a workshop on composting and repurposing unused parts of the fish.
THE THING THAT I AM PROUD OF IN THE Picnic Rocks in Marquette, Michigan In 2011, to further that initiative, PAST YEAR IS… “The series of invasive species is a heavily traveled area and a MSG helped Michigan fish producers and Asian carp workshops with legislators well-known tourist attraction in establish a business relationship with from around the state. It was good because it the Upper Peninsula. Since 1963, an out-of-state seafood processing offered a chance for the decision makers to hear 16 people have drowned there due company for handling and selling directly from the public, and the public could to dangerous currents — just one unused fish parts for items such of such spots in the Great Lakes ask questions directly to the decision and policy as gefilte fish. Michigan whitefish where dangerous currents are a makers. It was a great example of thinking about producers began selling them fish regular occurrence. Michigan Sea and addressing an emergency situation before it frames, pin bone meat, and small fish Grant has been working closely happens — it’s rare to be able to get out in front for use in several kosher products, with the National Weather Service of an issue and to provide that direct interaction. as well as fish heads for lobster bait. and local emergency responders to In the past year, a large seafood NEXT YEAR, LOOK FOR… “More information and describe poorly understood channel processing company that buys the workshops on stocking levels in Lake Michigan. currents and to develop new safety products agreed to cover transportamessages, focused particularly on Because of increased natural production of tion costs and pay $12,000 per areas of known danger such as Picnic salmon, the effect of invasive species and some truckload, allowing Michigan fishers Rocks. In 2011, MSG focused on the great predictive modeling, there will be much to to make a profit from unused fish different types of dangerous currents discuss…” parts they had previously been paying people may encounter. Extension to store and landfill. — Dan O’Keefe, MSG Southwest Extension Educator Educator Ron Kinnunen worked See: Great Lakes Whitefish with communication specialists to www.greatlakeswhitefish.com develop and provide the general public with updated information on how to survive getting caught up in a current. Educational workshops SEA GRANT DEVELOPS EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR and meetings were held for youths, swimmers and emergency managePROMOTING CLIMATE ADAPTATION ment officials. Sea Grant also helped identify appropriate placement Many coastal decision-makers and business owners in the Great Lakes of new beachside and highway signs, rescue stations and brochures are not interested in talking about climate change. Uncertainty about throughout Lake Superior and Lake Michigan coastal counties. New how the Great Lakes are likely to respond to climate change further educational tools are now being used to educate resource managers, challenges efforts to develop a consistent communication strategy. In first responders and others throughout the Great Lakes region about 2008, Regional Outreach Specialist Rochelle Sturtevant began working dangerous currents in the Great Lakes. with Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin Sea Grant programs to study how climate change is likely to impact ports and marinas. In 2011, Sea See: Currents, www.miseagrant.umich.edu/rip Grant evaluated the climate information needs of municipalities and coastal managers, and conducted a workshop to shape NOAA’s research strategy about climate change in the Great Lakes. To meet identified needs, MSG worked with graduate students and NOAA partners to
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develop three training modules, created a series of fact sheets about climate adaptation, and led training sessions for Great Lakes Sea Grant staff and other outreach specialists.
SEA GRANT SUPPORTS WATER TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
Communities along the Great Lakes often underutilize one of their best assets — the waterfront. Greenways and water trails are quickly becoming a way to support sustainable economic development and tourism The collaborative projects have helped NOAA and the Great Lakes Sea opportunities, as well as increase the quality of life in local communities. Grant Network develop consistent messages about climate change and In 2000, Michigan Sea Grant Extenscientific uncertainty, framing climate sion Educator Mark Breederland was issues in relevant terms. instrumental in developing the DownSee: Climate Change and the Lakes river Linked Greenways Initiative to THE THING THAT I AM PROUD OF IN THE www.miseagrant.umich.edu/climate foster land and water trail development PAST YEAR IS… “The creation of the Lake St. in southeast Michigan. In 2009 MSG Clair Coastal Water Trail brochure to promote and MSU researchers conducted a twoMSG HELPS FISH FARMERS coastal tourism and highlight boating-related year survey of people who participate businesses. Midway through the project, the Fish diseases remain a constant in kayak activities in order to identify project manager left to take another job, leaving threat to the viability of aquaculture, remaining unmet needs and capitalize the project without any leadership. Steve baitfish and hatchery facilities. on an existing industry. Respondents One approach to this problem is Stewart and I were serving as advisors to the were asked about their views of Detroit to apply the Hazard Analysis and project so we regrouped and developed a plan River paddling opportunities and their Critical Control Point (HACCP) for completing the project. We assisted in hiring paddling-related spending habits. The concept that is effectively used by a new project manager and worked closely with survey indicated that paddling events, the seafood industry to minimize him on the brochure. Despite these setbacks, we such as kayak tours in conjunction with health risks associated with fish managed to finish on time and under budget. We festivals, attracted new kayakers, and processing. Consistent biosecurity celebrated the completion with a kick-off event 76 percent thought they would protocols can dramatically reduce in New Baltimore. Nearly 250 people attended participate again. diseases on fish farms and prevent including Macomb County CEO, Mark Hackel, their spread to other farms or natural who joined us for an inaugural kayak trip on Based on these results, Extension environments. Aquaculture specialists Lake St. Clair.” Educators Mary Bohling and Steve from Michigan Sea Grant and the Stewart, kicked off the St. Clair Water University of Wisconsin collaborated NEXT YEAR, LOOK FOR… The Michigan Trail Project focused on developing a with state and federal authorities Recreation & Parks Association Trails Forum trail along the lake’s Michigan shores. to develop a series of workshops on February 7th. Michigan Sea Grant will be a The project culminated in the developabout Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia sponsor, and I am on the planning committee. ment of a printed map and trail guide (VHS) and HACCP planning. The The forum will be a traveling workshop in and a launch of the trail event that was team presented multiple workshops Southeast Michigan, focusing on the Downriver well attended by the public and covered throughout the year, reaching Linked Greenway trails, how they connect widely in the press. hatchery, baitfish and aquaculture communities with nature, and the impact they professionals. Each workshop was Another project that emerged was have on local businesses. held at a different aquaculture facility, the development of a trail guide for and participants developed specific Southeast Michigan funded through — Mary Bohling, MSG Southeast Extension Educator fish disease prevention plans for the a grant from the Conservation Fund host facility. Model plans demonKodak American Greenway Program. strate safety procedures appropriate The project started in 2011 and will for different types of systems (pond, recirculating or flow-through) and produce a land and sea trail guide that highlights community stories from different business activities (wild stocking, egg and fingerling producDetroit, Monroe and Downriver communities. The initiative is to fill the tion, or grow-out for food). Some workshop participants were initially information gap that currently exists between grassroots trail groups and skeptical of potential disease transmission among farmed fish; however, the public desiring to use the existing greenways and water trails. the program’s emphasis on the economic consequences of fish disease See: Trails www.downrivergreenways.org/home/news/ convinced many to develop biosecurity plans. urbankayakingonthedetroitheritageriverwatertrailontherise See: HAACP, www.miseagrant.umich.edu/fisheries/haccp.html
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Extension Educator Wins Award by Sandra Enness, MSG Extension Communications Manager, enness@msu.edu “I have never known anyone better suited to the work they do,” said Barbara Willyard, describing MSG Northeast Extension Educator Brandon Schroeder. Schroeder is the recipient of the prestigious 2011 William B. Stapp Award from the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Willyard, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Michigan, was just one of many nominating supporters. Schroeder was recognized for his tireless commitment to environmental education and the seeming magic he contributes to make it all come together. “Brandon is the Energizer Bunny,” said Maureen Stine, director of development and communications for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “He never stops looking around the next corner for the next project to unite community, teachers, and kids. …His work is awe-inspiring and widely recognized.” The awarding organization, MAEOE, is a professional, statewide association that supports and advances environmental and outdoor education in a variety of settings, including K-12 classrooms, nature centers, camps, youth programs, government agencies, as well as for-profit and non-profit organizations. The William B. Stapp Award is named for a former faculty member at the University of Michigan who made many contributions to environmental education locally, nationally and internationally.
The award is presented annually to one individual who: n
as made outstanding contributions to H environmental education;
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xemplifies the best in the field of E environmental education (e.g., service, research, teaching, etc.);
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Demonstrates a lifetime of devoted service;
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as spent at least 10 years working in H Michigan.
Schroeder has been an active member of MAEOE since 2001. Over the years, he served on the Board of Directors, as president, as membership chair and chaired the 2007 Statewide MAEOE Fall Conference. “I am deeply honored to have received this award and recognition from MAEOE,” said Schroeder. “This organization — in my mind — reflects the most amazing network of professional natural resource institutions and colleagues, for which I have the highest respect; they are my mentors, professional colleagues, and friends…. As past-president of MAEOE, this is recognition that means a great deal to me and truly reflects my professional passion for involving our state’s youth in driving our environmental future.” Schroeder has represented MSG as a leader of the Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp, collaborating with Michigan 4-H for many years. He started as an educator with the camp and eventually agreed to serve as the
“I am honored to have received this — a professional, career award — from my environmental and outdoor education peers who I highly regard and respect as professional colleagues, partners, mentors and friends.” camp program coordinator. The camp was recognized by 4-H as one of the top programs in the country; it was recently selected to be one of 10 programs nationwide to be part of a case study on high-quality 4-H science programs. He has also overseen the work of AmeriCorps members throughout northeast Michigan, and recently organized and conducted a Great Lakes and Aquatic Education Network Summit. Schroeder also played an instrumental role in establishing the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, or NEMGLSI. The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative is a unique model that connects schools with their communities to create learning experiences for students that have lasting impact on the environment. Through regional hubs like the Northeast Michigan hub, teachers receive professional development for inquiry-based learning and problem solving in the classroom. Collaboration between schools and communities provides students with the opportunity to address local environmental issues. The resulting vibrant, hands-on learning experiences are designed to increase student achievement and help young Michigan residents become lifelong caretakers of the Great Lakes. From writing the grant to kick off the NEMGLSI to providing leadership, Schroeder helped bring experiential learning to the region, teachers, students and the community.
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KEEPING IT CLEAN UPDATE: CLEAN MARINAS IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION By Amy Samples, Regional Project Coordinator asamples@umich.edu
Michigan Sea Grant was instrumental in establishing the Michigan Clean Marina program in 2005; and in the past two years, MSG has also supported a Green Marina initiative, in order to coordinate a regional effort. Michigan Sea Grant increased efforts to help support both programs during 2011.
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Marinas are key features of many coastal communities. Masts towering along the shoreline are obvious signs of our region’s dedicated boating community. Upon closer inspection, at a select set of marinas, you will find signs of Clean Marina certification. There are more than 2,000 marinas across the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes region, and approximately 100 have earned Clean Marina certification. Certified Clean Marinas are those that have voluntarily implemented a variety of best management practices aimed at reducing waste and preventing the release of hazardous substances. The program promotes both environmentally sound and economically feasible approaches to marina operations. Clean Marina programs are in place in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana while Minnesota and Illinois are currently developing programs. Although program structure varies from state to state, these programs are typically public-private partnerships, all offering marina operators information and technical support.
The project, a strategic collaboration among Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin Sea Grant programs, is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The effort focuses on the development of educational materials to highlight the sources and impacts of marina-related pollution to the Great Lakes waters and how to implement best practices to address critical issues. Since October 2010, 20 marinas have earned certification or recertification in Ohio, Michigan or Wisconsin. Dozens more have pledged to become certified. A technical review team — including 15 individuals from industry and regulatory bodies — and the Great Lakes Clean Marina network have been established to support the project and to solicit input from industry and regulatory bodies. Network membership includes 24 representatives from Department of Natural Resources (IL, MI), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Sea Grant (IL-IN, MN, PA, NY), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Lakewide Great Lakes Area Management Plans (LaMPS of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior), Great Lakes Commission, Association of Marine Industries, BoatU.S. Foundation, National Clean Marina Committee, NOAA Coastal Zone Management Program and private marinas.
(online training) will be enhanced through the addition of an invasive species module and the team will begin working on making this a regional resource.
CLEAN MARINAS:
MICHIGAN PROGRAM UPDATES In 2011, the Michigan Clean Marina program welcomed two new marinas: Kean’s Marina in Detroit and St. Clair Boat Harbor in St. Clair. Three marinas exhibited continuing dedication to the program, earning their five-year recertification: DeTour State Harbor in DeTour Village, Manistee Municipal Marina in Manistee and Walstrom Marine in Cheboygan. With the addition of the two newly certified marinas, 41 Michigan marinas have obtained and are maintaining the certification. “We are proud of the two new marinas joining the ranks of Certified Clean Marinas and the continuation of following best practices by the three re-certified facilities,” said John Ropp, president of the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). “We are also encouraged that more boaters are becoming aware of the program and are searching out these facilities as places they want to patronize.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Other highlights from the year include: Updating our boater tip sheet series, distributing 40 monofilament recycling bins, developing outreach kits, and organizing a Clean Marina Open House in partnership with MBIA. The event was held in August at the Irish Boat Shop in Charlevoix. Representatives from the Michigan Waterways Commission, MBIA, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University attended.
Signs of a Certified Clean Marina may be visible or may relate more to the behind-thescenes operations. It’s easy to spot absorbent pads or spill prevention kits at the gas pumps, recycling facilities, oil filter crushers, low-flow plumbing or stormwater filtration systems. Less obviously, marina operators have logged paperwork and established protocols, which address a variety of circumstances in order to provide a safe, clean boating environment for their patrons. Since marinas help support communities and the regional economy, benefits extend beyond boaters. In fact, the Army Corps of Engineers estimates that Great Lakes boaters spend $2.36 billion in surrounding communities per year on boating trips. The eight Great Lakes states have nearly one-third of all registered boats in the entire country.
Michigan State Rep. Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin) spoke at the event and had this to offer the audience: “Marinas are another venue where there is the potential to leave an impression. This program is a shining example of the private-public partnerships we have in our state. Having a Clean Marina speaks volumes for the community that it is part of.”
VISIT A CLEAN MARINA
In 2012, the goal is to recruit even more marinas to the Clean Marina program.
GREEN MARINAS: A REGIONAL EFFORT
With the goal of safeguarding our shared waters, the Green Marina Education and Outreach Project was kicked off in 2010.
Over the next year the technical review team will continue to compile an analysis of best management practices from regional programs. The Clean Marina Classroom
Approximately 100 marinas in the Great Lakes region have made a voluntary commitment to implement best practices; 41 are located in Michigan. To find a Clean Marina near you, see: Certified marinas www.miseagrant.umich.edu/cmp/designated
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STUDENT FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Deadlines are approaching for several Michigan Sea Grant fellowships. The fellowships offer:
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES FROM 2011 DISTINGUISHED STAFF Stephen Stewart, Michigan Sea Grant extension senior educator, was selected as a 2011 Michigan State University’s Distinguished Staff award recipient. His contributions to the welfare of the Great Lakes have helped to make MSU a leader in advancing Great Lakes literacy.
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pportunities to learn more about coastal, Great Lakes O and marine issues
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Fantastic career building and networking
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Chances to apply academic training to real world issues
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aid positions that can ease the transition from school P to working life
These are 1-2 year fellowships that are typically pursued the year following graduation. The fellowships recruit students with a strong interest in marine and Great Lakes issues from a wide range of backgrounds, including, science, policy and law. Applications are due in late January or February.
See: Full article www.michiganagconnection.com/story-state. php?Id=214&yr=2011 COOKBOOK WINS FIRST PLACE Wild Caught and Close to Home: Selecting and Preparing Great Lakes Whitefish won first place in a National Association of Government Communicators awards competition. The cookbook celebrates the Great Lakes whitefish with recipes, cooking techniques and chef insights.
For more details, see: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ research/fellowships
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ON SALE: MOST UNWANTED
“We do not own rocks, we only borrow them… so enjoy them while you are their keepers.” — Lake Huron Rock Pickers Guide
Pick up a set of the Great Lakes Most Unwanted posters – featuring aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes — for a discounted price for a limited time. Large quantities are available.
Have you ever wandered along a Great Lakes beach admiring the rocks? Or maybe you wondered what is that rock and where did it come from? The Rock Pickers Series, with books covering Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Huron, will help provide answers. The guides show common rocks found along the shores of the lakes and provide background information on the geology of each lake basin.
Contact msgpubs@umich.edu for questions about bulk orders.
To order publications go to www.miseagrant.com STAY CONNECTED
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Please recycle. Printed on 100% recycled paper (processed chlorine free), using vegetable based inks. | MICHU-11-803