Biological Services Department

INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
 

The Bay Mills Biological Services Invasive Species Program’s goal is to identify, prevent, control, and eradicate aggressive invasive species on tribal lands. An invasive species is defined as one that is not native to the area and has the potential to cause economic or environmental harm, or is hazardous to human health. One of the biggest projects the Invasive Species Program will be the removal of a dense stand of narrow-leaved cattails that are invading the south and southwestern shores of Back Bay. This cattail (Typha angustifolia) has completely choked out native vegetation in some areas and has been steadily spreading along the shore, gaining 12 to 20 feet per year, according to landowners. The native wide-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) can hybridize with this plant, creating Typha x glauca, which is even more aggressive.

 

An “invasive species” is defined as a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. The Bay Mills Indian Community Biological Services Department seeks to prevent introductions, manage infestations, and monitor invasive species in the local area. Some of the target species include Garlic Mustard, Phragmites grass, Japanese Knotweed, Purple Loosestrife, European Frogbit, Eurasian Water-milfoil, and Narrow-leaved Cattail. Biological Services partners with the Three Shores CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) which covers Luce, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties. Together they provide education and awareness, prevention, monitoring, and integrated pest management. For more information about invasive species or to report a siting, contact Biological Services. To view an interactive map of invasive species infestations in this area, visit http://www.misin.msu.edu/.