Aquatic Invasive Species Education Program
Dickinson Conservation District

What You Can Do
Michigan Laws
What We've Done
Aquatic Invasive Species
Additional Information

"Slowing the Spread…Aquatic Invasive Species Education in Dickinson County, MI"

Boat Launch Education Targeting Aquatic Invasive Species In Dickinson County

Dickinson County’s economy thrives on tourism brought in by fishing, boating and other recreational activities on our local lakes. Residents of the county also benefit from the abundance of waterways for leisure activities and the natural beauty they provide.

Our lakes are increasingly threatened by non-native aquatic invasive species that have been introduced into our lakes. These species displace natural species and diversity, interrupt the food chain for fish and animals, and make boating, swimming and fishing difficult.

The Dickinson County Lakes and Streams Coalition and the Dickinson Conservation District realized that the level of impact was significant in several county lakes and that while complete control might never be possible, public education might help slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. A Boat Launch Education Program was introduced to help inform boaters and lake users about the dangers of aquatic invasive species and the things they can do to stop the spread further. We found that most boaters could not identify Eurasian Milfoil and Zebra Mussels when the education program began.