New invasive species with the potential to harm our lakes are ever on the horizon. While our fast-paced, mobile society plays a big role in bringing non-native species to new places, people are also key players in keeping these aggressive invaders out of Wisconsin’s lakes.
Learn more about the newest invasive species to be on the alert for, what has been done—and what still needs to be done— to control these unwanted visitors by attending the Aquatic Invasive Species workshop set for February 16, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
This all-day Saturday event will explore aquatic invasive species prevention and management tools available to fully address the concerns posed by new invasive species with the potential to gain a foothold in Wisconsin’s waters. From this foundation, the workshop will inform legislators, decision-makers, and citizens of the need for appropriate legal and ecological tools for managing the increasingly frequent occurrence of non-native, invasive species in the region.
Register online today at the Wind Lake Management District website:
www.windlake.org or call 262-514-3238.
Early-bird registration is due by January 31, 2008.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Michael Netherland of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida is one of many well known experts who will share their insights at this event. Dr. Netherland will explore the topic of aquatic plant management as it relates to current and potential invasive species. Of particular concern will be hydrilla, a new invasive aquatic plant threatening the upper Midwest.
Led off by UW-Sea Grant’s
Phil Moy, who will provide an overview of the concerns surrounding all kinds of aquatic invasives as an introduction to the day’s activities, Dr. Netherland will explore the biology of hydrilla as it has been experienced elsewhere in the United States.
Doug Keller, of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, will wrap up the hydrilla discussion by sharing his state’s experience with managing this plant.
Dr. Mark Eiswerth, Associate Professor of Environmental Economics and UW-Extension State Specialist based at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, will explore the ways in which people react to aquatic invasive species. He’ll talk about recent efforts in Wisconsin to study the linkages between AIS, people’s perceptions and reactions, and economic behavior. Mark will explain how this ongoing research helps us understand likely behavioral and economic implications associated with AIS.
Laura Herman, WI DNR and UW-Extension Citizen Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN) Coordinator, will highlight the essential role citizens play in Wisconsin’s AIS Program. In campaigns such as Clean Boats Clean Waters, volunteers take the lead in prevention. They’re also integral to the early detection and rapid response of new pioneer invasives through the CLMN initiative. Citizen support and input is also key to shaping laws and policies to address new AIS concerns.
Peter Flaherty, Attorney at WI DNR Bureau of Legal Services, will discuss Wisconsin's invasive species laws and administrative rule development at the Feb. 16 event as well. Peter will summarize Wisconsin's current laws to control invasive species, plus review the new invasive species identification and control administrative rules being developed by the DNR.
Michael Staggs, WI DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management, will talk about Wisconsin’s integrated approach to control Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in our state’s fish. VHS, a serious fish disease, was found in Spring 2007 in the Lake Winnebago system and Lake Michigan. Mike will describe key aspects of Wisconsin’s VHS control program: regulations, surveillance and monitoring, biosecurity measures, bait fish quality control, research, plus public education and outreach to prevent the spread of this virus.
Event Details
Event Brochure
Download the
brochure which includes the program agenda, mail-in registration form, and other event information.
Event Sponsors
Illinois Lake Management Association
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Wind Lake Management District
Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Wisconsin Association of Lakes
Friday Night Fish Fry at the Rock Bottom Brewery!
Plan to join the conference hosts at a traditional Wisconsin fish fry on the Friday evening preceding the conference. Cost is $15\person.
Register today!
Cost to attend is $35\person before January 31, 2008; $40\person thereafter. The fee covers all meals and workshop materials.
Register online at the Wind Lake Management District website:
www.windlake.org or by calling 262-514-3238.
Reserve your hotel room today
The Hyatt Regency Hotel has provided special reduced rates for conference attendees needing overnight accommodations. Please be sure to mention this event if you’re making hotel room reservations. The event room block is under Wind Lake Management District (booking code BWLM).
Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Milwaukee
333 West Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI
Phone: 414-276-1234
Website:
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
