Grant Projects
Aquatic Invasive Species Project
The Iron County Land & Water Conservation Department received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to fund a full-time Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Iron County from January 2009 through December 2011. The main goals of this grant project include:
The Iron County Land & Water Conservation Department received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to fund a full-time Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Iron County from January 2009 through December 2011. The main goals of this grant project include:- Goal A: Develop a county-wide education & outreach AIS program to build awareness and prevent the further spread of AIS into additional lakes and watersheds. Target audiences include: lake associations, lake recreation users, landowners, local businesses, schools, etc.
- Goal B: Monitor & document invasive species locations throughout the county.
- Goal C: Coordinate a partnership to organize AIS prevention and control efforts.
- Goal D: Manage AIS grant and develop funding opportunities for evolving AIS concerns.
The year 2009 was the first full year of the project. Prior to this grant project, there has never been education focused on aquatic invasive species in Iron County. Therefore, education was the main focus of 2009 and the goal was to educate landowners, recreationists and students on invasive species and prevention methods to slow the spread of invasives. Large education signs (as shown here) were developed in 2009. Prevention was also targeted as best management practices were stressed. Treatment was another large component, with a goal of stopping the spread of invasive species to uninfested water bodies. As the program progressed throughout the first year there where many lessons learned and new approaches developed for added successes. The following report provides a detailed summary of the project successes, accomplishments, and challenges of 2009 as well as plans for the future to ensure the challenges become successes:
Coastal Management Grant Project
June 15, 2010- July 1, 2011
Background
Iron County has 494 lakes, many of which are small, susceptible lakes to environmental degradation. Lake Superior and its coastal area, as well as the inland lakes within its basin are some of Iron County’s greatest assets. Much of the county’s history, livelihood, and culture are tied to these unique areas, and they provide the foundation for recreation, natural scenic beauty, and the basis for economic income in Iron County. As development and recreational pressure increase, threat of aquatic invasive species jeopardize the quality and integrity of these resources.
Saxon Harbor on Lake Superior is the focus area for the project. The harbor is home to 91 boat slips, as well as hundreds of boats that enter and exit the harbor weekly, many of them moving between Lake Superior and inland basin waters. Currently, there is no Clean Waters Clean Boat program or any AIS education being.
Project Goals
- Hire 2 college interns to conduct boat inspections and monitor lakes for AIS.
- Educate recreationists on aquatic invasive species, prevention steps and laws.
- Treat Eurasian water-milfoil, Purple loosestrife, Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, and Garlic mustard infestations in Iron County.
Reporting: Reports will be distributed to partners and posted on the LWCD’s website. All data collected will be submitted to the WDNR in the SWIMS database. Quarterly and project end reports will be submitted to the WI Coastal Management Program.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
On September 1, 2010, Iron County was awarded a $149,000 grant through the GLRI funding to implement habitat restoration initiative to improve fisheries habitat in Iron County. The Land & Water Conservation Department (LWCD) has 7 projects that will be 100% reimbursed from Sept. 2010-2011 to replace culverts that currently pose a barrier to fish passage or degrade trout habitat on Iron County streams. The LWCD worked with the Iron County Forestry Department to replace one of these culverts with a clear-span bridge on Boomer Creek in September 2010. Another culvert in the county forest was replaced on Norman Creek through funding from the Bad River Watershed Association in August. Fish Passage Restored on Norman Creek. The LWCD and Iron County Forestry will work together to replace two additional culverts in 2011 and the LWCD will also be working with the Township of Gurney on two culvert replacements and the Township of Saxon on one culvert replacement in 2011 utilizing these grant funds. Contact the LWCD for more information on this project.On September 1, 2010 Iron County was awarded a $149,000 grant through the GLRI funding to implement habitat restoration initiative to improve fisheries habitat in Iron County. The Land & Water Conservation Department (LWCD) has 7 projects that will be 100% reimbursed from Sept. 2010-2011 to replace culverts that currently pose a barrier to fish passage or degrade trout habitat on Iron County streams. The LWCD worked with the Iron County Forestry Department to replace one of these culverts with a clear-span bridge on Boomer Creek in September 2010. Another culvert in the county forest was replaced on Norman Creek through funding from the Bad River Watershed Association in August, Fish Passage Restored on Norman Creek . The LWCD and Iron County Forestry will work together to replace two additional culverts in 2011 and the LWCD will also be working with the Township of Gurney on two culvert replacements and the Township of Saxon on one culvert replacement in 2011 utilizing these grant funds. Contact the LWCD for more information on this project.
