Dickinson Conservation District

What We've Done
The Boat Launch Education Program in Dickinson County

In 2004, the Dickinson Conservation District and the Dickinson County Lakes & Streams Coalition, with the help of grants from WE Energies and the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network, organized summer students and lake residents for a Boat Launch Education Program. Educators were present at boat launches to inform boaters about aquatic invasive species and assist with cleaning boats. In 2004 we had 10 paid summer students, including 2 coordinators, and 27 volunteers. Controlling the transport of these species is key to preventing further infestation and preventing re-introduction to lakes that have been treated for Eurasian Milfoil.

For 2005, funding is being provided in part by two grants, one from the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network Fund and one from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. The grant from the DACF is helping to increase our reach by funding placemats, almost 40,000 were distributed to area restaurants and a billboard located across from Wal-Mart which was posted June 15, 2005 - July 15, 2005. In 2005 we had one paid coordinator and 21 volunteers.

In 2006, Michigan marked the first year of a statewide initiative called "Clean Boats, Clean Waters" which mirrors the program in Wisconsin we have been following for the past few years. Thanks to a grant from Wildlife Unlimited, we were able to have a number of T-Shirts sporting the Michigan version of the "Clean Boats, Clean Waters" logo to give boat launch educators to wear while at the boat launch. The Dickinson Conservation District actually sent a representative downstate to help train fols on boat launch education. We then ran a Volunteer Boat Launch Education Traingin here in early June.

We are always trying to fin new ways ti get the inforamtion out to those using area lakes and streams and 2006 would be the year of license plated and bait containers.

200 License plates were purchased with a small grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation and distributed to area lake associations around July 4th, with the intent they would be mounted on their docks or cars to provide an on-goiong message. We printed 150 bait container labels, which were graciously installed by local live bait shopd and would provide a message riding along in the boat.

In 2007, we need your help! The Clean Boats, Clean Waters Education Campaign relies on volunteers and we are always looking for anyone who can spare a few hours of their summer demonstrating boat cleaning techniques at area launches. We gladly accept high school students in need of community service hours, senior citizens, at-home parents, lake residents, scout troops, and clubs! We can train you (it only takes a few minutes) at your convenience! Please contact the Conservation District if you're interested.

Want to be a boat launch educator?
Contact the Dickinson Conservation District at (906) 774-8441 or ann.hruska@mi.nacdnet.net, Or print off this Volunteer Information Sheet and return it to the:
Dickinson Conservation District
102 N. Hooper St.
Kingsford, MI 49802

We would be happy to present to any organization in Dickinson County. We offer informative presentations as well as training for those interested in volunteering at the local boat launches. These inforamtive presentations can be tailored to your group needs and time limitations. Contact Ann Hruska at the Conservation District if you would like more information on setting up a presentation.