Mining Ideas
Appendix A - Ecological Project Summaries
Contact:
Joseph Koonce
Department of Biology
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-3561
Award Amount: FY1993 - $33,333
Dollars Leveraged: $33,333 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and in-kind
services from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission
Project Timetable: October 1993 - December 1994
GLNPO Project Officer:
Paul Horvatin (312) 353-3612
Project Location: Waters of the Great Lakes (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Open lake, nearshore waters and coastal marshes
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors, with most
degredation a result of exotic species and habitat destruction.
Partners: Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Case Western Reserve University
Narrative: Funding supported a limited term ecosystem partnership
coordinator housed by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission. The primary purpose
of the position was to integrate lakewide management plans and fisheries
management plans by facilitating development of ecosystem objectives useful to
managers of both fisheries and water quality. Work products included a major
paper for the 1994 State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC), Aquatic
Community Health of the Great Lakes, which addressed the state of aquatic
communities, their habitat and stressors. This paper was the first time that
such a comprehensive assessment was undertaken. It was one of six papers
presented and discussed in workshops during the conference. The post conference
version of the paper is an appendix to the 1995 U.S./Canada State of the Lakes
Report. A full report, Great Lakes Fisheries Commission Ecosystem Partnership
Coordination, is available from the Fisheries Commission.
Status: Project has been completed and the SOLEC paper was used as
described above.
Environmental Results/Products: Progress was made creating joint water
quality and fisheries objectives. The purpose of SOLEC was to inform managers
and other decision makers of ecosystem problems and opportunities to solve them.
The result is that problems are avoided or more effectively solved.
Economic Impact: Indirect: by coordinating fisheries management and
water quality management, more efficient use of resources now can be made; by
better informing managers and the public as to the state of aquatic community
health, cost effective decisions can be made.
Contact:
Ervin Soulier
Bad River Band of Lake Superior
P.O. Box 39
Odanah, WI 54861
Tel: (715) 682-7123 / Fax: (715) 682-7118
Award Amount: FY1995 - $75,753
Dollars Leveraged: $22,783
Project Timetable: February 1, 1995 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312)
353-2690
Project Location: Bad River/Kakagon Watershed, Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal wetland, tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Bald eagle, lake sturgeon,
wood turtle, piping plover, 3 mussels that are WI species of concern, Kakagon/Bad
River sloughs the largest and most prisitine and intact estuarine system in the
upper Great Lakes
Stressors Impairing System: Sediments, toxins, and nutrients being
assessed, exotic flora and fauna, heavy metals
Partners: Northland College/Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, The
Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC)
Narrative: This project will facilitate sound ecosystem planning and
management by conducting biological and hydrological inventories to identify
baseline conditions, managing collected data with GIS, collaborating with other
agencies and stakeholders to maintain ecosystem health, and educating Tribal and
non-Tribal publics about the resources of the watershed. The effort will enhance
watershed protection by producing biomonitoring plans, assisting with the
Tribe’s Integrated Resource Management Plan, educating the Tribe and non-Tribal
public about watershed resource values and protection efforts, and encouraging
and collaborating with similar organizations and individuals to undertake
protection efforts.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Completed a baseline aquatic
productivity study (includes macrophyte and periphyton sampling); completed a
baseline benthic productivity study; digitized riparian and wetland cover types;
cover type surveys in the Bad/White River corridor completed; rare plant survey
of the Bad and White Rivers completed; data from surveys is being used to map
out protected areas along river corridors in the watershed; articles for Tribal
newspaper published; collaborative efforts for research and education efforts
being planned and implemented; aerial photo acquisition of the Bad River
corridor
Economic Impact: 1 full time watershed coordinator job; 7 part time
field assistants, biologists, botanists, limnologists, ecologists for part of
one year; 1 part time GIS specialist; a periphyton sampler was designed so the
Tribe can cost effectively continue aquatic monitoring; Contract dollars:
approximately $29,500.
Acres Impacted: 690,000 acres
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 West Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1993 - $180,000
Dollars Leveraged: $9,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312)
353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Basinwide, but focusing primarily on coastal and
lakeplain systems
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Addressing multiple
elements
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Natural Heritage Programs in the United States and Canada,
National Biological Service, World Wildlife Fund, Bureau of Land Management,
Consultative Group on Biological Diversity, Lake Michigan Federation, TV
Ontario, Great Lakes Protection Fund
Narrative: The purpose of the project is to facilitate regional and
local biodiversity strategic planning and coordinate among Conservancy units to
implement these strategies. The objectives are (1) to build upon the existing
preliminary analysis of biodiversity knowledge, principle threats, protection
tools, important partnerships, and strategic opportunities to develop and
implement an internal strategic plan for The Nature Conservancy that identifies
key objectives, needs, opportunities, partnerships, and strategies to address
them; (2) to coordinate and support TNC projects aimed at understanding and
protecting key Great Lakes biodiversity features and the ecological systems that
support them.
Review and updating of regional information from Natural Heritage Programs
has revealed over 20 additional globally significant elements supported by the
Great Lakes basin ecosystem, including several that are endemic to the basin or
have most of their occurrences and/or best examples here. GIS analysis of this
data indicates an overwhelming concentration of elements endemic to or best
represented within the basin along the Great Lakes coasts and lakeplains,
confirming and further emphasizing the importance of focusing strategically
coordinated efforts on protection of biodiversity in these areas. Efforts are
currently underway to compile detailed information on the conservation status
and threats to key target elements at a site-specific level. This information
will form the basis for further targeting of elements and sites for strategic
conservation action by the Conservancy and our partners.
Assistance was provided the the Conservancy’s Michigan and Central/Western
New York Chapters in building a collaborative network with key Canadian partners
for conservation of the basin’s unique alvar ecosystems. This collaboration
generated additional resources from the Great Lakes Protection Fund and other
sources to support expanded and coordinated resource inventory, research on key
processes and stresses, and conservation implementation.
Also through this component, information and assistance in addressing Great
Lakes biodiversity issues have beenprovided to a number of partners, including
the National Biological Service Status and Trends report for the Great Lakes
region, World Wildlife Fund’s evaluation of pesticide inputs in the Great Lakes
basin, the Bureau of Land Management’s biodiversity management training,
Consultative Group on Biological Diversity’s initiative on public attitudes, the
Lake Michigan Federation special habitats initiative, and TV Ontario’s “Great
Lakes Alive” TV series.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Increased awareness of the region’s
valuable biodiversity resources and the importance of biodiversity in
maintaining and restoring ecosystem health has helped lead to increased support,
both financial and institutional, and action to protect those resources in a
number of places throughout the basin.
Economic Impact: Greater attention and efforts toward protection of
key resources and prevention of environmental damage contributes to reduction in
future remediation costs.
Contact:
Dennis Albert
MI Natural Features Inventory
Mason Building, 5th Floor
Box 3044
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Tel: (517) 373-1552 / Fax: (517) 373-6705
Award Amount: FY1993 - $65,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,250
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312)
353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes basin shoreline (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Coastal marsh communities
Stressors Impairing System: Water level fluctuation, human water level
control
Partners: US Army Corps, New York Heritage Program, Departments of
Natural Resources in Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
Narrative: The goals are to inventory and sample the remaining large,
intact marshes along the Great Lakes shoreline, develop a classification system
that includes the entire diversity of Great Lakes marshes, extend the systematic
evaluation completed for lake Michigan to all other shorelines, and assess and
target protection and restoration activities at State and regional levels.
Aerial photos will be interpreted and field sampling conducted. Regional
differences among marshes will be identified. Marshes will be ranked based on
levels of biodiversity significance, rarity, human disturbance, and size.
Data collection was conducted in 1994 in all states but Illinois and Indiana.
Michigan marshes were resampled. Analysis of data has begun. The preliminary
abiotic classification is nearing completion and is being incorporated into
ongoing Great Lakes Marsh studies in the Les Cheneaux Island area of Michigan’s
eastern Upper Peninsula.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The products will be 1) baseline data
for studying the quality of the marshes and the impacts of natural and human
induced water level fluctuations; 2) classification of marshes based on physical
characteristics and biota; and, 3) basinwide ranking of marshes based on natural
quality and conditions to direct acquisition and management.
Economic Impact: Created one full time job for the duration of the
project; Contract dollars: $7,250
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Kathryn J. Schneider
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
700 Troy-Schenectady Rd.
Latham, NY 12110-2400
Tel: (518) 783-3937 / Fax: (518) 783-3937
Award Amount: FY1993 - $67,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,350
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312)
353-2690
Project Location: New York state counties that border Lakes Erie and
Ontario (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, coastal marsh, lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Native aquatic vegetation
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Narrative: From 1975 to 1986 the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) compiled a statewide file of critical habitats.
These manual "Significant Habitat" files contain a great deal of valuable
information on biodiversity within the Great Lakes watershed. The goal is to
integrate this data into the New York Natural Heritage Program's Biological and
Conservation Data (BCD) System. The tasks include: the conversion of any
important biodiversity data from the Significant Habitat files into the BCD
System, and dissemination of biodiversity data to the town planning boards of
the Great Lakes watershed.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The data will be downloaded into
ARC/Info, maps produced, and information disseminated. 100% of the total number
of files needing integration are now complete.
Economic Impact: Three information management assistants were assigned
to the project and fully trained in the integration process.
Contact:
Curtis Vosti
City of Hammond
Department of Planning and Development
649 Conkey Street
Hammond, IN 46324
Tel: (219) 937-1042 / Fax: (219) 931-0831
Award Amount: FY1994 - $120,000
Dollars Leveraged: $6,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312)
353-2690
Project Location: Hammond, Indiana (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial
Stressors Impairing System: Toxics, solid waste disposal
Partners: Hammond Parks and Recreation Board, The Nature Conservancy,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hammond Volunteer Group
Narrative: This project is designed to improve the habitat conditions
of the Southeast tip of Wolf Lake on stretches of approximately 40 acres of land
south of Lake Michigan. Owned by the Hammond Parks and Recreation Board of
Commissioners, the area is composed of slag fill. Slag is a waste product which
consists of impurities from the making of steel, the historically dominant
economic force in the area of Northwest Indiana designated as the Grand Calumet
River Area of Concern (AOC). The AOC contains a large number of slag fills that
have been created by the dumping of steel mill slag within the swales between
natural dune ridges. Once slag-filled, the swales can become rock hard. Its
cement-like surface is highly resistant to the normal revegetation of the 1400
native plant species common to the ecosystem. The project is also designed to
develop a simple, easily replicated procedure for native revegetation of slag
sites typically present within the AOC and other sites throughout Lake County,
Indiana.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The results of the test plots are
expected to provide a means to improve water quality of Wolf Lake by subsequent
limitations on surface water runoff; provide a plan for implementing a habitat
management and best management practices plan for maintainance of the area; and
to discourage inappropriate uses such as dumping.
Economic Impact: Positive results will lead to reclamation of large
tracts of land for parkland for use by the public as well as reclamation of
private land for developers.
Acres Impacted: 40
Contact:
Karl Schneider
Lorain County Soil & Water Conservation District
42110 Russia Road
Elyria, OH 44035
(216) 322-1288
Award Amount: FY1993 - $159,615
Dollars Leveraged: $28,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - June 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer:
Callie Bolattino (312) 353-3490
Project Location: Charlemont Creek and Carlisle Reservation in the
Black River Watershed, Lorain County, Ohio (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Swamp cottonwood, pumpkin
ash
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, development, sedimentation
Partners: U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lorain
County Metropolitan Park District, Lorain County Chapter of Pheasants Forever,
Ohio Division of Wildlife, Black River Remedial Action Plan Coordinating
Committee, Western Reserve Resource Conservation & Development, Lorain County
Commissioners, Oberlin College Biology Department
Narrative: The Lorain Soil and Water Conservation District assisted
the Lorain County Metropolitan Park District in the conversion of 20 acres of
cropland to wetland habitat for existing and reintroduced species within the
Black River Watershed. The project provided a model of cooperative effort,
opportunities for public and private sectors to work together on a restoration
project, demonstration areas for habitat restoration and wetland creation and
enhancement, and the creation of funding sources to generate funds for
additional restoration work.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: Restoration of 20 acres of inland
wetland habitat; 2 site tours and a dedication ceremony were held to showcase
the restorations.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $125,000; 5% contracted with local
farmers and grain elevators to complete revegetation and fertilization of
restored area.
Acres Impacted: 20
Contact:
Jennifer Carter
123 Michigan St.
Toledo, OH 43624-1927
(419) 241-9155
Award Amount: FY1992 - $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $58,789
Project Timetable: May 15, 1993 - December 31, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer:
Callie Bolattino (312) 353-3490
Project Location: Whitehouse, Ohio, located in the Maumee River Basin
which contributes more sediment to Lake Erie than any other watershed (local).
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Part of the Great Black
Swamp, Lake Erie waterfowl habitat
Stressors Imparing System: Agriculture, development
Partners: City of Toledo, Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District,
Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area, Lucas County Engineers, Bowling
Green State University, University of Toledo, Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency , Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Narrative: The primary goal of the project was to demonstrate how
wetlands in agriculturally dominated landscapes can filter pollutants contained
in agricultural runoff and reduce soil erosion resulting in cleaner lakes,
rivers, and streams. Additionally, the project provided research and educational
opportunities, reduced flood damage, and enhanced wildlife habitat. Wetlands
will be monitored for their effectiveness in removing phosphorous and sediments
thereby improving water quality, and will serve as a demonstration project for
future sites in the Maumee River Basin.
Completed at the end of 1994, the project is now being monitored and data on
water quality collected. At the end of 1994, the wetlands were losing water at a
fast rate for unexplained reasons. Geologists from the University of Toledo are
trying to determine whether a crack in the bedrock is causing a leakage. A
geoliner is being considered as a possible remedy if the crack in the bedrock
theory turns out to be true. Quarterly newsletters have consistently kept the
public informed of the project's progress.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: A report A Guide to Research
Opportunities by Gary S. Silverman; restoration of 3 acres of wetlands.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $7,000; partial funding for several
university researchers.
Acres Impacted: 3
Primary Contact:
Michael Raab
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Tel: (716) 858-6231 / Fax: (716) 858-7713
Contact:
Mary Sonntag
Tel: (716) 858-7762 / Fax: (716) 858-7713
Award Amount: FY1993 - $1,250,000
Dollars Leveraged: $150,000
Project Timetable: August 15, 1993 - June 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Paul Horvatin
(312) 353-3612
Project Location: Along Buffalo River in Erie County, Buffalo, New York (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, coastal marsh, tributary and connecting channel
Stressors Impairing System: Development, erosion, water level management
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, City of Buffalo, Buffalo River Remedial Advisory Committee, Friends of the Buffalo River, Erie County Water Quality Strategy Committee (including U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service), State University of New York at Buffalo (Great Lakes Program), State University College at Buffalo (Great Lakes Center).
Narrative: The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning is coordinating a number of tasks to demonstrate the effectiveness of fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement efforts on the Buffalo River. Restoration of a naturally vegetated shoreline, coupled with implementing Remedial Action Plan recommendations such as conducting inactive hazardous waste site remediation within the watershed, improving the dissolved oxygen condition of the river, and reducing combined sewer point source pollutants are some ways that will help recapture the biologic integrity of the river. Specifically, the following three items will be completed as part of this project: design and construct a fish and wildlife restoration project; establish an Upper Buffalo River Pollution Prevention Monitoring and Implementation Project; and extend community outreach activities.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Restoration and enhancement of 5 sites is expected; increased public awareness.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $668,500; creation of 3 full-time jobs for duration of project.
Acres Impacted: 26.5
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $25,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,250
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Lake Superior - Wisconsin (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, open lake
Stressors Impairing System: Turbid water due to lack of sediment-stabilizing vegetation (sedimentation), historic logging
Partners: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, Ducks Unlimited
Narrative: Most of Chequamegon Bay near the Fish Creek Sloughs is shallow with a firm sand bottom. Aquatic vegetation, both submerged and emergent, is lacking over portions of this area due to past logging practices which destroyed the vegetative cover by shading the area. This project would involve the re-establishment of aquatic vegetation in shallow water areas of Chequamegon Bay. Tubers would be placed to re-establish aquatic vegetation, important to migrating waterfowl.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Restoration of historically present aquatic vegetation will stabilize sediments and provide aquatic habitat for native species.
Economic Impact: Clearer water and stronger fish and waterfowl communities will increase recreational use.
Acres Impacted: 5 actual, could be thousands if revegetation is successful
Contact:
Steve Packard
The Nature Conservancy
8 South Michigan, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 346-8166
Award Amount: FY1995 - $35,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,100
Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Southeast Wisconsin, northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh, coastal shore, lakeplain, inland wetland
Stressors Impairing System: Development
Partners: Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago Horticultural Society, Chicago Zoological Society, City of Chicago Park District, City of Chicago Department of the Environment, Field Museum, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Forest Preserve District of Will County, Friends of the Chicago River, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Kane County Forest Preserve District, Lake County Porest Preserve District, Lake Michigan Federation, Linclon Park Zoo, McHenry County Conservation District, Morton Arboretum, National Park Service, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, Openlands Project, Shedd Aquarium, Sierra Club, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service North Central Research Station, U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northeast Area State and Private, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Water Reclamation District
Narrative: The purpose of this project is to create an attractive and informative publication describing the living resources/biodiversity/ecosystems of the Chicago region, their unique nature, their global and local importance, and the present opportunity to protect them. The format will be modeled after the “Great Lakes Atlas and Resource Book” produced by U.S. EPA and Environment Canada. It will not literally be an atlas, but rather an easily read information source. The book will be designed to be rich in factual information, but readable at multiple levels: pictures, maps and figures with captions; highlighted boxes; information tables; and text. The target audience will be both the general public and students. The atlas will “tell the story” in visual and narrative form, describing the special nature of the biota of the region where the tall grass prairie blends with rare oak savannas and the dunes of Lake Michigan. There is presently little awareness that urban development has spared islands of original plant communities which hold the potential for systematic restoration. However, there is a strong core of interest and a growing volunteer stewardship network.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The product will be a four-color atlas of the biodiversity of the region for use by the public.
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1992 - $70,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,500
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - October 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel 312-353-7996
Project Location: Allouez Bay, Lake Superior (local)
Great Lakes System: Lake Superior coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Common terns (state endangered species)
Stressors Imparing System: Development, recreation
Narrative: This project is comprised of two geographically distinct projects on the Lake Superior Coast. The Wisconsin Point Project in the St. Louis River Estuary involved the construction along the shoreline to raise the shoreline providing additional nesting habitat. The area of construction had been periodically inundated and subject to recreational vehicle traffic. A second site is the restoration of an existing nesting platform in Chequamegon Bay which had been damaged from winter ice flows. This platform has historically been used as a nesting site for common terns.
Status: Wisconsin Point complete, Chequamegon Bay ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Increased breeding and rearing habitat for a state endangered species (common tern)
Economic Impact: Increased recreational bird watching opportunities
Acres Impacted: 2
Contact:
Steve Chaplin
The Nature Conservancy
1313 5th Street, SE Suite 314
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-0700
Award Amount: FY1995 - $40,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,106
Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: John Schneider
(312) 886-0880
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems except open lake
Stressors Imparing System: All known stressors
Partners: Great Lakes State Natural Heritage Programs
Narrative: The Nature Conservancy through its Midwest Regional Office and Home Office will work cooperatively with Natural Heritage Databases in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, eastern Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to compile element occurrence information. The data will be compiled as part of Central Databases at TNC’s Home Office within the Biological and Conservation Data (BCD) system. This arrangement allows the relation of element occurrence information with the global tracking and rangewide biological information kept in Central Databases. Portions of the element occurrence records for specified types of species and natural communities will be available ty TNC to the EPA and other agencies for use in environmental review. The Nature Conservancy will negotiate separate data use agreements with each Natural Heritage Database to govern element occurrence data use and dissemination by TNC.
During the first year of this project, TNC will develop certain types of global data for federally listed endangered and threatened species found within the eight state area. This information will be captured in BCD attribute files related to each element occurrence record. In addition, certain data reconciliation activities will be undertaken to standardize certain key data fields which have been developed until now on a state-by-state basis. Examples include assigning TNC’s new national community classification name to each community Element Occurrence Record (EOR), applying global criteria to certain high priority EORs, and reviewing high priority EORs with regard to global element occurrence specification criteria.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Biological and Conservation Database
Contact:
Larry Schwartzkopf
Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee
105 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
Tel: (218) 879-1759 / Fax: (218) 879-4146
Award Amount: FY1995 - $70,000
Dollars Leveraged: $134,083
Project Timetable: April 1, 1995 - March 1, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Richard Greenwood
(312) 886-3853
Project Location: Fond du Lac Reservation, St. Louis River estuary, coastal Lake Superior, Minnesota (local)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel, coastal shore, coastal marsh, open lake
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Native aquatic plant species
Stressors Imparing System: Invasive exotic fish species, loss of native aquatic plant species
Partners: University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Fond du Lac Resources Program, Minnesota Sea Grant, National Biological Service
Narrative: The effective control of the Eurasian ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus, through the use of reproductive pheromones would supplement other control measures in areas where ruffe become established, and would prevent or significantly slow the further expansion of this very harmful exotic fish. The control of common carp through the use of pheromones would allow for an effective and environmentally safe remediation of the impacted fisheries and aquatic resources in much of North America.
The study, Characterization of the Olfactory Sensitivity of the Eurasian ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus, to Putative Pheromones at the University of Minnesota/St. Paul Campus, College of Fisheries and Wildlife, has been implemented. The first progress report (11/6/95) states that 9 ruffe have been tested. “All were extremely sensitive to the L-amino acid serine (average response=3mv). However, of the 183 steroids and 5 prostagladins tested on each fish only one mixture (M8), comprised of C18 steroids, evoked a response and then only in 3 fish.” Two explanations are that there may be technical difficulties associated with the techniques used, or “that olfactory sensitivity is influenced by sexual maturity independent of circulating hormones.” Future steps include testing fish which are sexually mature from the natural environment or artificially made ready by accelerated photo period for response to steroid mixtures and prostaglandins. The basic focus of this research should be redirected to understand the basic reproductive physiology of the ruffe. Although some of the pheromones for the carp family, Cyprinidae, is already known, the reproductive physiology of the Percid fishes, such as the ruffe, is not known. The work on carp is being postponed because of the much greater threat of ruffe to the inland fisheries.
The field testing project to test the differential capture of ruffe during the spawning cycle, was conducted by the Fond du Lac Natural Resources Program, the Ceded Territory Biologist, and the National Biological Service staff on the St. Louis River estuary this past spring. The forty special traps designed for the study functioned well, and ruffe were captured in a number of randomly selected areas. Although no definite correlation was seen between the attractant “bait” fish and the ruffe captured, the traps worked well and should function well to test the attraction hypothesis when the timing and locations for this are correct. Problems arose because of the late start of the field work, due tothe unavoidable factors (i.e., completion of traps), and the need to change the focus to more probable in-shore spawning sites. Continuing support of the overall project with funds from the Minnesota Sea Grant will allow an earlier start and the use of shallower trapping sites.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The laboratory research and field studies to investigate the practicality of using pheromones to attract the ruffe more efficiently to traps or to disrupt their spawning is promising. The initial results are mixed, however. Continued research into the basic reproductive physiology will provide the information needed to understand which pheromones they use. Modifications to the field study design may prove to show the attraction of spawning ruffe to other conspecifics.
Economic Impact: The European ruffe is believed to be a major threat to the freshwater sport and subsistence fishery in this region and potentially much of eastern North America. According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recent economic analysis, the estimated loss of income to sport and commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes could reach $120 million annually (NRRI Now, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Winter 1996).
Contact:
Richard S. Burton
Environmental Health Laboratory
435 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14602
Award Amount: FY1993 - $90,000
Dollars Leveraged: $180,000
Project Timetable: May 31, 1993 - October 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Robert Beltran 312-353-0826
Project Location: Monroe County (suburban Rochester), New York, lower Genessee River/Irondequoit Bay drainage basin; Lake Ontario drainage basin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland, tributary and connecting channel
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, alteration of nutrient inputs
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Monroe County Water Coordinating Committee; U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service; U.S. Geological Service; Irondequoit Watershed Collaborative; various Monroe County towns, villages, and the City of Rochester. A consortium of staff from various municipalities in the Irondequoit Bay drainage basin, the Irondequoit Watershed Collaborative, has formed to promote a regional watershed approach to issues affecting the basin. Members have been active in promoting the objectives of this project within their organizations.
Narrative: Project funds demonstration of conversion of suburban dry retention basins into wetland detention ponds to provide treatment and thermal moderation of storm runoff, reducing hydraulic, thermal, and nutrient loading of receiving bodies while providing wetland habitat functions. Coordinative and informational materials and meetings were provided to County municipalities in 1993 and 1994. Several towns, villages, and the City of Rochester were enrolled in the project. Contracts were let with municipalities and construction implemented in the Towns of Mendon and Brighton, with construction approved and underway in Pittsford, Greece, and Webster. Sites under consideration in the Towns of Henrietta, Wheatland, Ogden, Rush, and the Villages of Scottsville, and Brighton. Study of thermal impacts being initiated with NYSDEC.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Mitigation of thermal, and nutrient impacts of urban and suburban stormwater on receiving bodies, especially the Genessee River and Irondequoit Bay drainage basins; establishment of onsite treatment technologies and best management practices; incorporation of technologies into future new developments.
Economic Impact: Offset of other, more expensive public and private mitigative actions and the presentment of new economic opportunities are the principal benefits; most of the funding is itself applied to construction activities with local contractors and materials suppliers.
Acres Impacted: 22,400
Contact:
Bruce N. Johnson
Fox-Wolf Basin 2000 Inc.
P.O. Box 1861
Appleton, WI 54913-1861
(414) 738-7025
Award Amount: FY1995 - $50,000
Dollars Leveraged: $5,555
Project Timetable: September 1, 1995 - February 28, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Fox - Wolf watershed in Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Numerous elements exist within this basin; specific sites yet to be identified.
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction
Partners: More than 20 local organizations and governments
Narrative: The project will create a locally based entity that can receive ownership or other interests in land that is ecologically important, but not of a scale that is attractive to statewide or national conservancy organizations. The project includes support and training for the steering committee which will become the board of directors of the locally based conservancy; assembly of information on critical and high quality habitat within the region; and contact with land owners to provide assistance in arranging protective agreements, dedications or purchases.
The project seeks to demonstrate that, by supporting creation of a community based organization based upon local partnerships, long term protection and restoration of habitat and water quality can be accomplished without continuing federal funding. As of February 1996, the steering committee has become an interim board of directors as provided in the articles of incorporation. This is in anticipation of conducting the functions of a land trust. A permanent name of Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust (NEWLT) has been chosen and technical assistance obtained to assist in filing for nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The end products will be identification and protection of critical habitat. The means to this is creation of institutional capability in the form of a locally based land conservancy.
Economic Impact: Indirect
Primary Contact:
John Beeker
Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization
668 Euclid Avenue, 4th Floor
Atrium Office Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114-3000
(216) 241-2414, extension 250
Contact:
Mary Beth Binns
Tel: (216) 241-2414, extension 253 / Fax: (216) 621-3024
Award Amount: FY1995 - $156,540
Dollars Leveraged: $105,000
Project Timetable: September 25, 1995 - June 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Cuyahoga River Area of Concern in the Cuyahoga and Summit Counties of Ohio (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Reestablishment of natural ecological community types using indigenous plant species; reestablishment of streambank vegetation and a riparian corridor
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, alteration of stream flow, sedimentation, development, erosion
Partners: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division of Surface Water Lake Erie Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Stream Team Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Northeast Ohio Four County Organization, Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Summit County Soil and Water Conservation District, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Cleveland Metroparks, private and public landowners
Narrative: The Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization will re-establish a riparian corridor, re-establish natural community types using indigenous plant species, create new partnerships among private landowners, public agencies, and stakeholder organizations, demonstrate a new approach in coordination of the project, and educate the public to ensure long term success.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Completion of 4 restoration projects is expected; linear footage of stream bank restored is estimated to be 3,500 feet; projects will be promoted through biannual newsletters; educational signage along public trails near the restoration sites.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $130,000
18 - 26: DEVELOPING IMPERILED SPECIES OCCURRENCE INFORMATION
Nancy Clupper
The Nature Conservancy
34 Airport Drive
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 948-3961
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Mike Sweet
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
524 S. 2nd
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 782-2602
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,052
Cloyce Hedge
Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center
Division of Nature Preserves
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 West Washington St., Room W267
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-4052
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Leni Wilsmann
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
5th Floor Mason Building
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
(517) 373-7565
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Richard Baker
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Box 7, 500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4007
(612) 297-3764
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Kathryn Schneider
The Nature Conservancy
700 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12210-2400
(518) 783-3932
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Stuart Lewis
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
1889 Fountain Square, Bldg. F-1
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 265-6460
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Paul Wiegman
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
316 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 288-2774
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Betty Les
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3369
Award Amount: $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: John Schneider
(312) 886-0880
Project Location: Cumulative impacts of projects will be basinwide
Great Lakes System: All systems except open lake
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Great Lakes State Natural Heritage Programs
Narrative: The state heritage programs will develop, maintain, and update a digital inventory of rare, threatened, and endangered species. This inventory will be used for the protection, recovery, and restoration of species, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Digital inventory of rare, threatened and endangered species.
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago , IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Mike Grimm
653 County U
Algoma, WI 54201
Tel: (414) 743-8695 / Fax number is the same [call the
office before sending the fax]
Award Amount: FY1993 - $68,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,400
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Door County Peninsula, Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh, coastal shore, inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Iris lacustris, Somatochlora hineana, Vertigo hubrichti, Cirsium pitsheri, Falco peregrinus anatum, fish spawning grounds, migratory staging area, beach and dune communities
Stressors Impairing System: Development, agriculture
Partners: Door County Land Trustees, Door County Property Owners Association, Kangaroo Lake Association, Glidden Drive Property Owners Association, Whitefish Bay Property Owners Association, Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Soil & Water Conservation District, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bay Lake Regional Planning Commission
Narrative: The goal of this project is to initiate and facilitate conservation activities on both existing natural areas and those remaining unprotected high quality natural areas of the Door Peninsula. These conservation activities vary from a focused effort of defining and creating a viable natural area project, to impacting regionwide conservation practices that influence the peninsula. Objectives to accomplish this goal include compiling, supplementing, and evaluating relevant biological and social information; enlisting the support of local and regional conservation partners; and developing on-going support for the project.
Primary activities of the project have included field inventory and historical research of several unexplored natural areas; creating or strengthening ties with landowners, the local land trust, lake associations, several property owners associations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Contracts for GIS mapping and biological inventory work have been made. Much assistance has been given to the local land trust in their projects development and in writing conservation easements and grants during this project.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The major product of this initiative has been the creation of a new TNC project site at the north end of Kangaroo Lake. With support from the Door County Land Trustees (DCLT), the Kangaroo Lake Association, the WI DNR, and land owners of the site, the project was begun in 1995. 110 acres of criticaluplands on the west side of the lake have been acquired by TNC and DCLT. Several other tracts (180 acres) have been protected at the site through verbal landowner agreements.
Economic Impact: Creation of one full time job for duration of the project; increase in tourism dollars; increase in consumptive recreation (hunting, trapping, fishing); increase in nonconsumptive recreation (birdwatching, canoeing, photography).
Acres Impacted: 174,700 (the northern part of Door County)
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Sandy Bonanno
315 Alexander St., Floor 2
Rochester, NY 14604
Tel: (716) 546-8030 / Fax: (716) 546-7825
Award Amount: FY1993 - $160,000
Dollars Leveraged: $8,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Freshwater dune/wetland complex on the eastern shore of L. Ontario, Oswego and Jefferson Counties, NY, and a series of limestone barrens alvar sites in northwestern Jefferson County, New York. The dune system comprises 17 miles of shoreline with a core area of 12,000 acres within a target area of 16,000 acres. The alvar system comprises a chain of discrete sites comprising over 7,000 acreas within a matrix target area of almost 13,000 acres. Discrete Nature Conservancy preserves within the site include El Dorado Beach Preserve (360 acres), Sandy Pond Beach (77 acres), Selkirk Fen Preserve (22 acres), Chaumont Barrens (1633 acres), and Limerick Cedars (350 acres) (bioregional).
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore (barrier beach and dunes), coastal wetlands, lakeplain alvar grassland/savanna
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Great Lakes dunes (G3G4), rich shrub fen (G3G4), medium fen (G3G4), bog buckmoth (Hemileuca sp. 1, G1Q Federal C2), alvar grassland (G2), calcareous pavement barrens (G3), limestone woodland (G3G4), plus several more natural communities and about three dozen species considered rare in NY.
Stressors Impairing System: Development, recreation, hydrological disruption, nutrient enrichment
Partners: SUNY Colleges at Oswego and Genesco, New York Department of Conservation, New York Natural Heritage Program, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Cornell University, University of Georgia, Finger Lakes Community College, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, New York Sea Grant Extension, Town governments of seven towns: Clayton, Lyme, Brownville, Cape Vincent, Ellisburg, Sandy Creek, and Richland; International Alvar Working Group, The Ontario Dune Coalition
Narrative: This initiative will identify key resources and ecosystem stresses, initiate land protection activities, develop partnerships with state, local, and citizen's groups active in the area, conduct outreach, and develop an initial conservation plan with specific protection, stewardship, and outreach programs. Objectives include: completion of the biological inventory of the limestone barrens and barrier beach ecosystems, mapping the towns that contain barrier and barrens habitats, identify key natural processes that support the biodiversity, develop relationships with landowners and negotiate different types of protection behavior, formation of a group of volunteers to assist in ecological monitoring and restoration, develop management plans for of the preserves, develop one preserve for public education and outreach.
Relationships under cultivation with all town governments, draft GIS maps of 7 towns under review, core site maps of the dune/wetland complex in use for conservation planning purposes. Draft Site Conservation Plan for the Eastern Lake Ontario Megasite (the dune/wetland system) under review, joint management plan with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for newly acquired Sandy Pond Beach developed, reviewed, and jointly adopted. Rare plant and natural community inventories on the alvar sites complete; research in progress on bog buckmoth needs, hydrological regimes in the fens, exotic species invasion on the alvar. Two key tracts acquired, two more under option, several in various stages of negotiation, all neighboring landowners around Chaumont Barrens and Sandy Pond Beach visited. Interpretive trail with kiosk and trail guide prepared for Chaumont Barrens, and preserve opened to the public. Planning for trail expansion, interpretive signage, wildlife blind, brochure, and public rededication underway for El Dorado Beach Preserve. Seasonal interpretive naturalists used to provide onsite services at El Dorado Beach and Chaumont Barrens.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The results of this work will be improved knowledge of how to protect these ecosystems, development of key public-private partnerships, initial protection and outreach activities, and a preliminary conservation plan for these systems.
Economic Impact: Creation of two full time and one part time positions for the duration of the project; Contract dollars: $40,000; increase in nonconsumptive recreation (birdwatching, canoeing); increase in tourism dollars.
Acres Impacted: Eastern Lake Ontario Megasite: 16,000 acres; Jefferson County Alvar: 13,000 acres (total 29,000 acres)
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contacts:
Jennifer Windus, Steve Sutherland
ODNR Ohio Field Office
Division of Natural Areas and Preserves 1504 West First Ave.
1889 Fountain Square Columbus, OH 43212
Columbus, OH 43224 614-486-4194
(614) 265-6468 / Fax: (614) 267-3096 or (614) 486-9772
Award Amount: FY1993 - $120,000
Dollars Leveraged: $6,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Lake Erie drainage within Ohio (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, coastal marsh, lakeplain
Stressors Impairing System: Development, water level management
Narrative: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is conducting a plant community inventory of the Lake Erie drainage within Ohio with funding provided by a 2-year grant from The Nature Conservancy. Project components include: identify the range of natural community types, review existing Heritage information to identify high quality examples of community types, development of a consistent plant community classification and ranking system, conduct field surveys and inventories to determine current status and conservation needs of the high quality communities, integrate community data into the Heritage Program database. The data will be used to provide information on outstanding communities to resource managers, planners, and local, state, and federal agencies.
All topographic maps within the Lake Erie drainage basin were reviewed and areas identified which show wetlands, large blocks of forest, or other features which could indicate significant plant communites. The Heritage database was reviewed for rare plant communities. Individuals were contacted to provide leads on the locations of sites worth surveying. Qualitative and quantitative data are being collected for each site visited.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Plant community data will be provided to consultants, planners, and state agencies for use in environmental review processes.
Economic Impact: 1 full time position for the duration of the project; as a result of the inventory, sites may be scheduled for acquisition.
Acres mpacted: 8,800,000
Contact:
Dave Burgdorf
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Room 101
1405 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823-5243
Tel: (517) 337-6701, ext. 1211 / Fax: (517) 337-6905
Award Amount: FY1995 - $75,000
Dollars Leveraged: $5,000 (City of Rogers City)
Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Richard Greenwood
(312) 886-3853
Project Location: Parks owned on the Lake Huron shoreline of Rogers City, Michigan (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: There are species associated with the dune/beach areas of Lake Huron listed as threatened and/or endangered. To date, the work has not been focused on these species but the project is concentrated on species that will create the environment for the introduction of the threatened and/or endangered species. By initiating establishment and management techniques, determinations and evaluations will be made to develop a methodology for reclaiming dune/beach natural plant communities favorable to threatened and/or endangered species.
Stressors Impairing System: Development, habitat destruction
Partners: City of Rogers City, Michigan
Narrative: This habitat restoration project will establish and demonstrate the techniques required to restore native habitat to lakeshore areas which were previously in commercial/industrial use. Three parks owned by the City of Rogers City, Michigan, on Lake Huron will be the sites for this restoration project. Included will be the development of methods of propagating native plants from the area. Natural plant communities will be identified, samples collected, and native plants propagated and planted. The City of Rogers City is working closely with NRCS on this proposal. They have volunteered city maintenance crews to assist with the care of the plants. They will also remove much chain link fence surrounding the old city garage site to allow for a more natural setting.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Development of a methodology that could be used to guide other municipalities with similar situations in reclamation of dune/beach to natural plant communities.
Economic Impact: Local businesses will be used to remove undesirable plant species. Rogers City employees and others will glean knowledge associated with dune/beach reclamation applicable to other areas for future local initiatives.
Acres Impacted: The given project site is estimated to include approximately 15 to 20 acres. The potential impact in relation to the application of the information gleaned from the project could result in thousands of acres associated with the Lake Huron shoreline.
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Larry Clemens
Fish Creek Project
Peachtree Plaza, Suite B2
1220 N. 200 West
Angola, IN 46703
Tel: (219) 665-9141 / Fax number is the same
Award Amount: FY1993 - $50,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,500
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Fish Creek Watershed, northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channels, inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: White catspaw pearly mussel (Epioblasma obliquata perobliqua), 8 other rare mussel species, 2 rare fish species
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, development
Partners: private landowners
Narrative: The Fish Creek Watershed contains the widest array of fish and mussel species in the lower Great Lakes. Improper agricultural practices have been identified as the primary threat to this system. The three main components of the Fish Creek Watershed Program address this problem. Landowners are being contacted to develop practical solutions to minimize agriculture impacts to biota. The Conservation Reserve Program Survey has been conducted to understand how private landowners make land use decisions, and give insight into the potential uses of the land. Landowners will be encouraged to participate in the reforestation program to provide a buffer against runoff from farmland.
Landowner contacts are continually being made. All data from the Conservation Reserve Program Survey is currently being analyzed at Purdue University. Numerous tree plantings (200 acres, 100,000+ seedlings) have been completed. The CRP Survey and the final report are complete.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The results of this work will be increased control of sheet erosion, improved awareness and appreciation of the values of the Fish Creek watershed, and better stewardship of the watershed resources.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $28,400; creation of one full time job for the duration of the project; lowerindustrial and municipal water supply treatment costs downstream; lower agricultural costs due to erosion control practices.
Acres Impacted: 4,000 acres involved in the Conservation Tillage Program; 200 acres reforested along Fish Creek; 200 acres reforested in upland areas (total 4,400 acres).
Contacts:
John Hartig
Wayne State University/International Joint Commission
P.O. Box 32869
Detroit, MI 48232
(313) 226-2170
Award Amount: FY1993 - $45,000
Dollars Leveraged: $50,000
Project Timetable: January 1994 - June 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Great Lakes Areas of Concern (Urban-Industrial)(basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Joint Commission
Narrative: Two areas of activity are included: 1.) A binational survey was conducted of the 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) to determine the status of fish community objectives within the areas; to stimulate their completion and compare them with water quality objectives in the areas. A workshop was then conducted for fisheries and water quality managers. Two reports were then completed: A Survey of Fish Community and Habitat Goals/Objectives/Targets and Status in Great Lakes Areas of Concern and Toward Integrating Remedial Action and Fisheries Management Planning in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. 2.) A binational survey was conducted of habitat restoration projects associated with AOCs, a workshop held and a publication produced: Status of Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation and Conservation Efforts in the Watersheds of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The second activity fed into the binational HABCARES program and associated publications.
Status: The project has been completed. The publications remain available.
Environmental Results/Products: The results include increased focus and accelerated effort in developing fisheries objectives for the AOCs. Further, the technology transfer resulting from the review of restoration efforts is benefitting communities throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Economic Impact: Economic benefits have not been quantified.
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1993 - $45,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,250
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marshes, coastal shore (dunes and beaches), alvar, lakeplain prairies and savannas
Stressors Imparing System: Disruption of longshore sediment transport (sedimentation); pollution; physical alterations of coastal wetlands; exotic species; alteration of hydrology in alvar and lakeplain prairies; fragmentation.
Partners: University of Michigan, New York Natural Heritage Program, Cutter and Associates (Watertown, NY)
Narrative: The Great Lakes ecosystem contains a number of ecological sub-systems that play key roles in its overall function; the health of these systems is integral to maintaining the biological components that characterize the uniqueness of the basin. This project will assemble available knowledge and develop functional models for selected systems that are the focus of biodiversity conservation efforts. A good conceptual model of ecosystem function helps in identifying stresses that impact targeted biological features and evaluating their potential impacts and severity. In addition, the process of developing ecosystem models quickly reveals what is known and what needs to be learned about an ecosystem, thereby guiding monitoring and research activities.
Conservancy staff working on the Northern Lake Michigan Bioreserve have engaged an advisory group of key academic and agency experts on Great Lakes marshes to identify key knowledge gaps and develop a research program aimed at determining how these systems function. EPA funds for developing functional ecosystem models will be used to support relevant components of this work, e.g., a compilation and review of existing knowledge of fish uses of Great Lakes marshes. The Central/Western New York Chapter is taking the lead in compiling available information on longshore sediment transport along Great Lakes shores, and will use this in developing a model for maintenance of the barrier dune system along the shore of the Eastern Lake Ontario project area. A broad coalition of partners is collecting information on ecological processes and potential stressors in alvar ecosystems through the International Alvar Conservation Initiative. This information is being used to develop a conceptual model for alvar ecosystems.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Improved conservation planning and management for the coastal marshes of northern Lake Huron, and the barrier dune and alvar ecosystems of eastern Lake Ontario.
Economic Impact: Maintenance of both the high quality marshes of northern Lake Huron and the barrier dune which protects highly productive marshes along eastern Lake Ontario will help sustain important fishery-based tourism economies in both these areas.
Contact:
Eric Carlson
Headwaters Charitable Trust
650 Leonard Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
Tel: (814) 765-4612 / Fax: (814) 765-1336
Award Amount: FY1994 - $144,000
Dollars Leveraged: $25,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Upper Genesee River, Pennsylvania, New York (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Snail darter
Stressors Impairing System: Sedimentation, nutrient and organic loadings
Partners: Headwaters Resource Conservation & Development Trust, PA; Potter County Conservation District, PA; U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service; Pennsylvania Fish Commission; New York Seneca Trail Resource Conservation & Development Council; Trout Unlimited; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Allegany County Conservation District, NY
Narrative: This project is to reduce non-point source pollution of sediment and nutrients that are impacting aquatic habitat in the upper Genesee River. Technical services will be provided to farmers and loggers to improve their skills in addressing soil erosion and nutrient movements that will severely impact the critical habitat. Financial cost-share will be provided for Best Management Practices (BMPs) that improve habitat. Other local, state, and federal cost-share programs will be utilized to compliment the habitat improvement. Potato and dairy farms located in the watershed will develop nutrient management plans. BMPs will be identified in close cooperation with the PA Fish Commission that will improve aquatic habitat. Cost-sharing incentives will be provided to loggers and farmers to encourage a demonstration of the use of these BMPs. Other logger training on soil erosion control will be integrated into an industry-sponsored, operational training program begun in 1992.
Another component of the project is the use of a local community coalition “Progress in Agriculture through Communication” to educate the general public.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Protection of critical habitat to an excellent Class A Wild Brook Trout Fishery.
Acres Impacted: 138,624 acres
Contact:
Rob Corbett
Lake Soil & Water Conservation District
125 East Erie Street
Painesville, OH 44077
(216) 350-2730
Award Amount: FY1994 - $300,000
Dollars Leveraged: $16,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: The Grand River watershed is located in northeastern Ohio (Geauga, Lake, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties) and encompasses over 712 square miles (bioregional).
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel, inland terrestrial, inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: A state-designated Wild and Scenic River, the Grand River watershed is home to over 50 rare and endangered species. Fifty-seven speices of fish, 49 species of mammals, 115 bird and 18 reptile species and types of 10 amphibians inhabit the Grand River basin. In addition, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is re-introducing the federally endangered river otter into the upper reaches of the Grand River.
Stressors Impairing System: Development, alteration of nutrient inputs, sedimentation, waste disposal, agriculture
Partners: Grand River Partners, Inc., U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, Lake and Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Divisions of Soil & Water Conservation, Natural Areas and Preserves (Scenic Rivers Program) and Wildlife, The Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Grand River Environmental Action Task Force, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Geauga County Park District, Lake County Metro Parks, Ashtabula County Park District, Headwaters Land Trust, Lake County Extension Service, local governments, municipalities, and individual citizens
Narrative: The Grand River Protection Project will be a 3-year project seeking to protect the over 50 rare and endangered species which make the watershed their home. Beginning in 1993, the Grand River Partnership will work with all partners to implement a conservation easement program and install needed protection measures on the easements. Goals include establishing a citizen based land trust, protecting water quality and aquatic habitat, wetlands and forest communities in the Grand River Watershed. Permanent easements will be acquired from willing cooperators in the riparian corridor. Needed management practices will be installed to prevent nonpoint source pollution at selected sites.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The results of this work will be increased control of nonpoint source pollution, improved awareness and appreciation of the values of the Grand River watershed and better stewardship of the watershed resources.
Acres Impacted: 712 square miles (455,680 acres)
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe St., Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1993 - $35,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,750
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems except open lake
Partners: State Heritage Programs, Lake Michigan Federation, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society
Narrative: The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Great Lakes Office will develop an illustrated layperson’s guide to biodiversity features in the Great Lakes basin and the ecological processes that sustain them. The guide will re-package the findings of earlier scientific analyses that point to the wealth of biological diversity in the Great Lakes basin into a format that is easily understood by individuals who are less familiar with Great Lakes environmental or conservation issues. This information will be distributed through electronic as well as hard-copy media. Three task categories are identified for the project: audience identification, message development and publication dissemination. Support, both from within the organization and from outside of the Conservancy must be enlisted and a production process must be identified.
A TNC volunteer and freelance writer committed to help this project beginning in December 1995. Preliminary assessment of audiences and messages completed. Outline of illustrated guide completed.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Increased awareness of the values and significance of biodiversity resources in the Great Lakes basin, and increased support for their protection and maintenance.
Contact:
Sue Crispin
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1993 - $126,500
Dollars Leveraged: $6,325
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems except open lake
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Narrative: The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Great Lakes Office will compile information from diverse sources on tools, techniques and strategies useful for protecting and restoring biological diversity in the Great Lakes basin. The compilation will draw on Conservancy information, the literature, and other sources. Included will be biodiversity information, who's doing what, project case studies and sources of assistance. Mechanisms for information delivery will include electronic, hard copy, and person-to-person contact. This will provide a means of creating a virtual community of conservation practitioners, allowing questions and answers to be shared in real time and in media that reach a range of practitioners. Hands-on assistance will be provided in special cases as resources allow.
A Conservation Program Specialist was hired to complete the work on this project. Meeting of TNC’s Great Lakes bioreserve practitioners was held in October to expand interaction among those working within ecological boundaries of the Great Lakes. Meeting summary produced. Specific project objectives finalized. Investigation of electronic media options to enhance communication links underway. Draft survey completed to help structure a knowledge bank that will contain a range of information in demand by diverse audiences. Completed a rough framework for how to organize information in knowledge bank. Working with TNC’s home office staff to coordinate the dissemination of Great Lakes biodiversity information through TNC’s world wide web site.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The result will be an effective delivery system for information and the operation and maintainance of the system itself.
Economic Impact: Creation of one full time position for the duration of the project.
Contact:
Charlotte Wolfe
Indiana University
P.O. Box 1847
Bloomington, IN 47402
Tel: (219) 291-9943 / Fax: (219) 586-3446
Award Amount: FY1995 - $64,805
Dollars Leveraged: $27,024
Project Timetable: September 1, 1995 - June 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: The Great Marsh is located in the eastern portion of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in northwest Indiana. This project will focus on the Dunes Creek and Derby Ditch Watersheds of the Great Marsh (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: The Indiana Dunes contains the last remnants of diverse lakeshore vegetation and wildlife communities in Indiana. Remnant patches of wet prairie, sedge meadow and hydromesophytic swamp remain in the nature preserve portion of the Great Marsh. A large variety of wildlife species use these types of habitats including twenty-two bird species of Indiana state concern.
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, alteration of stream flow (drainage)
Partners: National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; National Park Service, Water Resources Division; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Biological Survey, Lake Michigan Ecological Station; Indiana Geological Survey; Save the Dunes Council, Inc.; student interns and community volunteers.
Narrative: Indiana University will assist Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in restoring disturbed portions of the Great Marsh. The project objectives are to determine hydrology for the present Dunes Creek and Derby Ditch watersheds of the Great Marsh, implement a pilot wetland restoration for which physical and biological factors will be investigated, demonstrate the effects that hydrology has on the vegetation composition, investigate sedimentation rates which reflect land use both on National Lakeshore lands and on lands within the watershed which are the source areas for runoff, and formulate recommendations based on the findings for expanded restoration and management of the Great Marsh ecosystem and other similar wetland habitats.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Installation of a hydrologic and vegetation monitoring network, which will provide information relating vegetation occurrence to hydrologic conditions; implementation of a pilot wetland restoration; information on historic vegetation composition and sedimentation rates which will enable better estimation of the hydrologic and other management conditions necessary for the desired plant communities of a restored Great Marsh; completed wetland restoration plan which details the results of the pilot restoration, hydrologic scenarios, vegetation analysis, and other information collected during the project and gleaned from previous work.
Acres Impacted: 30
Contact:
Charles M. Wooley
1405 S. Harrison Road
Room 302
East Lansing, MI 48823
Award Amount: FY1994 - $15,000
Dollars Leveraged: $45,000
Project Timetable: March 15, 1994 - March 31, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Stressors Imparing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, Canadian Great Lakes Cleanup Fund
Narrative: The purpose of this interagency agreement was to provide funds to support a workshop for U.S. and Canadian scientists to enhance the understanding and basis for the protection and restoration of physical habitats vital for the support of successful and diverse communities in a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.
Status: Project has been completed. The initial workshop was held November 14-18, 1994 in Barrie, Ontario. The followup technology transfer session was held April 26-27, 1995, in Detroit, Michigan.
Environmental Results/Products: The workshop delivered: (1) a peer reviewed science publication; (2) an evaluation of the role of habitat protection, restoration and modification in achieving ecosystem goals for resource managers; (3) A technical publication that is a compendium of the tools used in habitat restoration and modification including technology involved, time frames, maintenance and benefits for resource managers; (4) a reproduction of posters presented at the workshop including their most relevant references; and, (5) the publication Methods of Modifying Habitat to Benefit the Great Lakes Ecosystem.
Economic Impact: Indirect; more effective use of funds for habitat restoration
Contact:
Chris Maron
1330 West 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: (317) 923-7547 / Fax: (317) 923-7582
Award Amount: FY1992 - $15,000, FY1995 - $40,000
Dollars Leveraged: $18,750
Project Timetable: October 1, 1991 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Richard Greenwood
(312) 886-3853
Project Location: Ivanhoe Dune and Swale Preserve and Hoosier Prairie in northwest Indiana (local).
Great Lakes System: Lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Karner blue butterfly, dune and swale, black oak savanna, tallgrass prairie, small white lady’s slipper orchid (G3)
Stressors Impairing System: Exotic species (purple loosestrife, phragmites, white sweet clover, glossy buckthorn), development, off-road vehicles, waste disposal, fire suppression
Partners: Northeastern Illinois University; Hamlin Street Block Assoc.; Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; Indianapolis Power and Light Company; Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves; NIPSCO; Shirley Heinz Environmental Fund
Narrative: The Ivanhoe project site is a degraded dune and swale that has been altered by the construction of roads and streets (unpaved) that interrupt the natural water regime. The objectives were to remove the piles of trash located in several swales, to control and eradicate exotic plant species, to protect the preserve from future human encroachments such as midnight dumpers by erecting a fence and installing preserve signs, and to increase the public's awareness about the preserve. One goal is to improve the water quality at the site, which is in the Grand Calumet Area of Concern. Other actions include recreating the dune topography, removing young oak trees from several dunes to provide open habitat for the Karner blue butterfly, and planting native vegetation in disturbed areas.
The Gaylord II tract of Hoosier Prairie, part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, will be surveyed then fenced to prevent access by off-road-vehicles.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Butterfly survey conducted. Trash cleared from most of Ivanhoe site. Botanical study conducted at Ivanhoe. Prescribed burns reintroduced to both Ivanhoe and Hoosier. Walks and workdays are held on a weekly basis and an effort is being made to recruit neighbors as volunteers. A fence and sign have been erected at Ivanhoe. Work has just begun at the Hoosier site.
A report, An Assessment of Potential Impact of a Proposed Roadbed Removal Project on the Butterflies of the Ivanhoe Sand Savanna, was completed. A workshop, Exotic Species and Their Threat to Northwest Indiana's Biodiversity, was held. From other funds, two minority interns were hired in the summer of 1995. Two full time and one part time employees hired from Gary work at Ivanhoe. Brushy species are under control and savanna and wetland forbs have reappeared as a result of prescibed burns. Ivanhoe is part of Karner blue reintroduction/protection planning. Thefence and sign protect the site from midnight dumpers. Neighbors are becoming familiar with the site due to the walks and workdays conducted by the hired staff.
Economic Impact: Employed three people part time to full time for one year. Employed two people part time for 1.5 years and still on staff. Employed two other minority interns for summer 1995. Contracted two jobs (at Ivanhoe and Hoosier Prairie) with minority-owned survey company. Contracted with fence company for fence construction at Hoosier Prairie. Employed several people in short term job-specific jobs (i.e.-haul trash, cut wood).
Acres Impacted: Ivanhoe Preserve and Ivanhoe South - 150 acres, Clark and Pine Bongi Tract - 270 acres, Gibson Woods - 130 acres, Tollston Ridges - 49 acres, Hoosier Prairie - 440 acres, Hoosier Prairie Gaylord Tract - 109 acres (total 1,148 acres).
Contact:
Pat Collins
120 State Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-6612 / Fax: (218) 834-6639
Award Amount: FY1994 - $170,000
Dollars Leveraged: $8,500
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Grassy Point in the St. Louis River Watershed, Duluth, Minnesota (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Coastal fresh water estuary
Stressors Impairing System: Industrial woody debris (logging)
Partners: River Watch, St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan Citizens' Advisory Committee, City of Duluth, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Narrative: The Habitat Restoration of Minnesota's Grassy Point project goals are to restore and enhance plant and animal habitat by removing industrial woody debris and other waste, and improving wetland hydrology. Specific activities include: long-term, broad-based planning for protection and restoration of ecological resources by building partnerships with local interest groups and agencies; assessing the extent and nature of sediment degradation; developing a project plan to maximize fish and wildlife habitat; hiring a contractor to remove and dispose of woody debris, enhance wetland hydrology, and stabilize shorelines; sharing information with River Watch group to foster citizen monitoring activities; sharing information with St. Louis Remedial Action Plan Citizens' Advisory Committee to encourage development of appropriate public uses; documenting site activity; and developing a final project report that summarizes the process to help guide further restoration efforts.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: With the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the City of Duluth, and interested citizens, a design for restoration has been developed; LHB Architects and Engineers and American Testing and Engineering have completed geotechnical and chemical assessments at the site and assisted in development of construction specifications for the removal and disposal of woody debris; Duluth Superior Erection completed the removal of 11,000 cubic yards of waste, creating two small ponds and a channel through the wetland to connect Keene Creek to the St. Louis River; the project has catalyzed the development of a riverside trail, a proposal to retore 3.5 acres of adjacent wetlands, an investigation of the cultural history of the site, and a discussion to use the area as a River Watch monitoring site.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $166,000; contractor that has removed the wood waste is planning on grinding the material to use in gravel pit reclamation and for resale as black dirt after mixing with peat and sand.
Acres Impacted: 100+ acres
Contact:
James Ray
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Soil Conservation
402 West Washington Street W265
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-3873
Award Amount: FY1992 - $103,180; FY1993 - $47,400; FY1995 - $44,220
Dollars Leveraged: $118,127
Project Timetable: May 15, 1993 - October 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Angola & Hamilton, Indiana, in Stuben County (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel, inland terrestrial, inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Federally endangered white cat's paw pearly mussel (Epioblasma obliquata perobliqua) and six state endangered mussel species, five of which are being considered for federal listing
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, sedimentation, nutrients, agriculture
Partners: Indiana DNR, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, USDA, USFWS, The Nature Conservancy, Stuben County Soil & Water Conservation District, local farmers, Ohio DNR, Ohio EPA, Williams County, Ohio Soil & Water Conservation District and DeKalb County, Indiana Soil & Water Conservation District
Narrative: Hamilton Lake is a 700 acre natural impoundment, tributary to Fish Creek. The Hamilton Lake Watershed contains 9681 acres, approximately 15 square miles. Macrophytes in the lake include Richardson's pond weed, a State endangered plant. Fish Creek, a tributary to the Maumee River in the Lake Erie basin, receives the outflow from Hamilton Lake and contains one of the richest assemblages of fresh water mussels in the world. Thirty one species are present in Fish Creek, including six that are state endangered. A federally endangered species, the white cat's paw pearly mussel, is present below the inflow from Hamilton Lakes, the only location where it is known to survive. Project funds are being used to support a partnership of federal, state and local organizations which is working with land owners to install management practices which control sediment, nutrients and other pollutants within the watershed. These activities support implementation of the recovery plan for the endangered mussel.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products and Acres Impacted (as of September 1995):
Conservation tillage/no-till 2,289 acres
Cover crop 160 acres
Filter Strips 12 acres
Integrated Crop Management 2,247 acres
Streambank protection 330 feet
Water & Sediment Control Basins 3
Grassed waterways 15,823 feet
Wetland development 1 acre
Economic Impact: Direct benefit to participating farmers. Indirect benefit to landowners around the lake and to those down stream on Fish Creek.
Contact:
Pat Collins
120 State Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Tel: (218) 834-6612 / Fax: (218) 834-6639
Award Amount: FY1994 - $7,000
Dollars Leveraged: $350
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Minnesota Point, Lake Superior Watershed, Duluth, Minnesota (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Significant Elements/Communities: Great lakes red/white pine forest, Lake Superior sand beach/beach dune communities, clustered bur-reed
Stressors Impairing System: Exotic plant species
Partners: Natural Resources Research Institute, Park Point Community Club, St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan Citizens' Advisory Committee, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Narrative: The Hearding Island Native Community Project goals are to reduce populations of non-native and invasive plant species, and increase populations of desirable native plant species to improve wildlife values and more closely represent the pre-European plant community characteristic of Minnesota and Wisconsin Points. Specific activities include: a site survey to identify potentially sensitive ecological resources; removal of non-native shrubs and forbs; and native tree and forb plantings, community-based planning and decision making for public use of the area and desired future conditions.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Currently, vegetation mapping is underway, species list has been developed by local volunteer botanists, contact has been made with Park Point Community members and St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan representatives to request involvement, volunteers have worked to plant about 900 white pine, 700 red pine, and 400 tamarack trees, management plan revisions are underway, management schedules for 1996 are being developed, brush and exotics have been cleared from part of beach dune area.
Acres Impacted: 32
Contact:
Richard S. Burton
Environmental Health Laboratory
435 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14602
Award Amount: FY1993 - $90,000
Dollars Leveraged: $219,000 ($170,000 Monroe County, $49,000 NYSDEC)
Project Timetable: May 31, 1993 - October 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Robert Beltran 312-353-0826
Project Location: Monroe County (suburban Rochester), New York, Irondequoit Bay (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland, tributary and connecting channel
Stressors Impairing System: Alteration of nutrient inputs
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Bay border towns have participated though provision of access and facilities, New York State Department of Transportation has provided a project installation and equipment site, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Department has provided divers to place and modify the diffuser array.
Narrative: Project funds demonstration of practicality of a large scale hypolimnetic oxygenation process to return Irondequoit Bay to aerobic conditions, fostering return of a more natural biotic community, including passage of high trophic level consumers (including walleye and salmonids) between Lake Ontario and Bay tributaries. The project goal is to demonstrate improved management of phosphorus cycling by biochemical means (oxygenation to increase adsorption to iron oxides/precipitation) and biologically improved planktivore browsing of algae to relieve toxic anaerobic conditions in the Bay.
The first oxygen diffusion system was installed in early summer, 1993; it was supplemented later that summer by a second diffuser grid, but evaluation of data indicated target oxygen levels were not attained in deeper parts of the basin. In early summer, 1994, a redesigned system of two diffusers was installed, followed shortly by two more diffusers, and in midsummer a fifth diffuser was added. Target oxygen levels were still not reached in deep sections of the bay during midsummer. In 1995, funding shortfalls cut the aeration season short, but the Monroe County Legislature has appropriated supplemental funds for 1996, as well as a study of biological effects for 1996-7.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Restored aerobic conditions in the Bay's metalimnion and part of the hypolimnion; restored plankton consumers and higher vertebrate populations capable of converting Bay phosphorus into animal biomass; establishment of pelagic higher level predator presence on a year-round basis.
Economic Impact: Local communities have experienced renewed use of the Bay due to improved water quality, with commensurate public interest in waterfront activities, enhanced commercial and residential property values and development. Continued water quality and cool/cold water fisheries enhancement will augment this trend.
Acres Impacted: 1,648
#45 - IMPROVEMENT OF THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR OAK SAVANNA RESTORATION AND HABITAT EFFECTS ON KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLY VIABILITY (FY1994, 1995 - DW14947694-01-0)
Interagency Agreement with the National Biological Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Contact:
Noel Pavlovic
Southern Lake Michigan Biological Station
1100 North Mineral Springs Rd.
Porter, IN 46304
Tel: (219) 926-7561, ext 428 / Fax: (219) 929-5792
Award Amount: FY1994 - $118,850, FY1995 - $44,850
Project Timetable: May 1, 1994 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Northwest Indiana, southern end of Lake Michigan (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Karner blue butterfly, oak savanna
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, development, exotic species, fire suppression, habitat destruction
Narrative: This research will provide a scientific basis for restoration of savannas and conservation of the Karner blue butterfly and other savanna biodiversity in the southern Lake Michigan basin and will increase our understanding of the effectiveness of different savanna management tools. Information on native plant propagation methods and fire and mechanical management of savannas will be made available to public, volunteer, and governmental groups. These results will enhance ongoing and future southern Lake Michigan basin conservation efforts such as those being undertaken by the Southern Lake Michigan Conservation Initiative (see project 76).
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The following reports are completed and will be made available to resource managers: Comparison of Fire, Herbicide, and Sod Removal to Restore Native Vegetation in the Razed Residential Sites in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: A 3-Year Study; Effects of Canopy Cover on Oak Savanna Use by the Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly; Improvement of the Scientific Basis for Oak Savanna Restoration; The Impact of Edge Effects and Habitat Structure on Avian Nest Predation in Oak Ecosystems and Marshes. A final report will be completed in October 1997 by the National Biological Survey. Results will be submitted for publication in scientific journals as well as disseminated to the public. For example, the information gathered may be submitted to Restoration and Management Notes, Natural Areas Journal, or Restoration Ecology.
Acres Impacted: >800 ha. or @ 2,000 acres in the southern Lake Michigan basin
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe St., Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Matt Dallman
618 Main St. West, Suite B
Ashland, WI 54804
Tel: (715) 682-5789 / Fax: (715) 682-5832
Award Amount: FY1992 - $100,000, FY1993 - $95,000
Dollars Leveraged: $109,387
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs, Ashland, Iron, Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin (16,000 acres) (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh, tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: One of the finest marsh/fresh water estuaries in the world, lake sturgeon, piping plover, bald eagle
Stressors Impairing System: Exotic species, logging
Partners: Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Wisconsin Department. of Natural Resources, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Biological Survey, National Park Service, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration, Northland College/Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, National Wildlife Federation, Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron Counties
Narrative: The goal of the Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs Watershed Project is to maintain the ecological systems and processes that support the biological diversity in the estuarine complex formed where the Bad and Kakagon Rivers meet barrier ridges, dunes, and beaches along the south shore of Lake Superior. To accomplish this goal, implementation strategies are being developed with partners. The conservation program must be locally sustained through economic activity. Major economic activities within the watershed, including types of industry and trends, will be analyzed for their sustainability, linkages to the ecosystem, and benefits to the local communities.
This project will:
- Increase scientific understanding of the ecological systems and processes that maintain the Slough’s elements of biodiversity; measure and assess any stresses to these systems, processes and elements; and develop specific recommendations for reducing or eliminating sources of any such stresses;
- Increase understanding of economic, social, and cultural activities and interaction that occur in or effect the watershed;
- Determine how these activities and interactions effect the Slough’s ecological systems, processes, and elements of biodiversity; and identify opportunities for ecologically compatible and sustainabledevelopments;
- Assist the Bad River Band’s Natural Resources Department in preparing and implementing recommendations in the Integrated Resources Management Plan that are consistent with reducing sources of stresses to Sloughs biodiversity
- Raise funds to support the watershed project office and implement priority conservation actions of the Conservancy and partners;
- Strengthen community support for long term protection of the Sloughs and watershed;
- Support existing and proposed conservation activities and projects in the watershed, particularly those likely to reduce sources of stresses to Sloughs biodiversity; and,
- Increase the Tribe’s capacity to protect the Sloughs by reducing the sources of stresses to the Sloughs ecological systems and processes.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The report Preliminary Analysis of Conservation Issues in the Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs Watershed is complete.
Economic Impact: One full time position for the duration of the project; Contract dollars: $54,500.
Acres Impacted: 1,092 square miles (698,880 acres)
Contact:
Harvey Pinkerton
Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development Council
RD # 3, Box 261
Clarion, PA 16214-8702
Tel: (814) 226-6118 / Fax: (814) 226-4521
Award Amount: FY1993 - $146,000
Dollars Leveraged: $7,500
Project Timetable: January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Crawford and Erie Counties in Pennsylvania (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Stressors Impairing System: Reduction of the loss of wetlands that has occurred for agricultural use and the accompanying loss (changes) to the animal and plant communities (agriculture, habitat destruction).
Partners: Erie Soil & Water Conservation District, Crawford Conservation District, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pennsylvania State University
Narrative: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how the construction and management of wetland/reservoirs can be economically profitable to farmers. The focus of the demonstration will be to construct ten to twelve permanent wetland/reservoirs on private and or public lands. The intent is to capture runoff from cropland, barnyards and milkhouse waste, as well as other sources, and passively treat the water before release to the stream.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Agricultural pollutants, particularly barnyard runoff and milkhouse waste have been eliminated from direct access to streams.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $60,000
Acres Impacted: 8 sites completed for 26 acres
Contact:
Donald Slingerland
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12233-4754
(518) 457-4480
Award Amount: FY1994 - $181,000
Dollars Leveraged: $10,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Robert Beltran 312-353-0826
#48 - Buckhorn Marsh
Project Location: Buckhorn Marsh, Eastern shore of Lake Ontario and along the Niagara River (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: The Nature Conservancy Eastern Lake Ontario Megasite Element
Stressors Impairing System: Invasion of exotic plant species; erosion of dune/barrier beach; dispersed visitor activities; physical alterations for historically intended development
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Fund, New York State Department of State, New York State Parks and Recreation, Oswego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Oswego County Youth Conservation Corps, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service, Thousand Islands Park Commission, New York Sea Grant/Sea Trail, Oswego County Environmental Management Council, The Nature Conservancy, Ontario Dunes Coalition, Ducks Unlimited
Narrative: The Buckhorn Marsh project will restore the largest remaining wetland in the upper Niagara River at the northern tip of Grand Island. Two overtopping weirs that will maintain water levels will be constructed. This will simulate historic conditions to allow re-establishment of previously occurring species, afford breeding area to northern pike, and provide an important link in the riparian habitat corridor for other riverine species. To date the Buckhorn Marsh survey has been completed and the construction phase should soon commence.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Protection and restoration of dune formations; replacement of exotic vegetation by natives; improved habitat; and, improved public access and educational opportunities.
Economic Impact: Spurred State development of a $200,000 contract to develop a wildlife viewing guide for Project areas; funded 8 seasonal-year positions; funding construction work by local contractors at Buckhorn and local materials purchases at all three sites.
Acres Impacted: 74
Project Location: Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area, Eastern shore of Lake Ontario and along the Niagara River (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: The Nature Conservancy Eastern Lake Ontario Megasite Element
Stressors Impairing System: Invasion of exotic plant species; erosion of dune/barrier beach; dispersed visitor activities; physical alterations for historically intended development
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Fund, New York State Department of State, New York State Parks and Recreation, Oswego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Oswego County Youth Conservation Corps, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service, Thousand Islands Park Commission, New York Sea Grant/Sea Trail, Oswego County Environmental Management Council, The Nature Conservancy, Ontario Dunes Coalition, Ducks Unlimited
Narrative: At the Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area the project will support barrier beach restoration and stabilization; public use control, including dune crossover and moveable trail construction; public education; the creation of wildlife nesting habitat; and exotic vegetation control. Education as a deterrent to resource abuse would be emphasized along with highlighting demonstrations of actual restoration. To date, the Deer Creek Marsh planning phase has been completed and contract work has begun.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Protection and restoration of dune formations; replacement of exotic vegetation by natives; improved habitat; and, improved public access and educational opportunities
Economic Impact: Spurred State development of a $200,000 contract to develop a wildlife viewing guide for Project areas; funded 8 seasonal-year positions; funding construction work by local contractors at Buckhorn and local materials purchases at all three sites.
Acres Impacted: 1,196
Project Location:Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, Eastern shore of Lake Ontario and along the Niagara River (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: The Nature Conservancy Eastern Lake Ontario Megasite Element
Stressors Impairing System: Invasion of exotic plant species; erosion of dune/barrier beach; dispersed visitor activities; physical alterations for historically intended development
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Fund, New York State Department of State, New York State Parks and Recreation, Oswego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Oswego County Youth Conservation Corps, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service, Thousand Islands Park Commission, New York Sea Grant/Sea Trail, Oswego County Environmental Management Council, The Nature Conservancy, Ontario Dunes Coalition, Ducks Unlimited
Narrative: The Lakeview Wildlife Management Area project will enable development of designated foot travel lanesby construction of 200-300-foot long dune crossover structures. Sensitive areas will be protected yet allow the State to avoid closure of public access and the consequent loss of educational opportunities. To date, the Lakeview dune crossovers are nearing completion.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Protection and restoration of dune formations; replacement of exotic vegetation by natives; improved habitat; and, improved public access and educational opportunities.
Economic Impact: Spurred State development of a $200,000 contract to develop a wildlife viewing guide for Project areas; funded 8 seasonal-year positions; funding construction work by local contractors at Buckhorn and local materials purchases at all three sites.
Acres Impacted: 3,461
Contact:
Don Slingerland
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12233-4754
(518) 457-4480
Award Amount: FY1993 - $202,500
Dollars Leveraged: $75,000 NYSDEC & New York State Power Authority
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 1, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Robert Beltran 312-353-0826
Project Location: Wilson Hill Management Area east of Massena, New York, on the St. Lawrence River south shore (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, coastal marsh
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: New York State/The Nature Conservancy Heritage Survey underway
Stressors Impairing System: Physical landscape alteration (Seaway), water level management
Partners: Ducks Unlimited, New York State Power Authority, Massena Rod & Gun Club
Narrative: The project provides for restoration of wetland habitats destroyed in the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway during the Late 1950s and early 1960s. It erects water management structures to a large pooled area (900 acres) along the River with the intent of restoring historical water level regimen and drainage, and to reduce the pool to 700 acres, increase shallows for northern pike breeding and to benefit wading bird species. It also provides for the construction of breeding and resting sites for water and shore birds and osprey. The project has been narrowed in scope since award to no longer address sites southeast of Lake Ontario. The survey and planning of wetland areas and other physical changes and GIS mapping have been completed. Construction will soon begin.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Restored local hydrology; expanded shorebird and wetland faunal habitat; restored riverine corridor; raptor breeding opportunities; and, improved wildlife observation opportunities.
Economic Impact: Local construction contracts and materials purchase, increased recreational visitation.
Acres Impacted: 900
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $150,000
Dollars Leveraged: $190,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Lake Superior Shore, Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Unique coastal wetlands and other globally significant communities identified with several threatened and endangered species.
Stressors Impairing System: Development, sedimentation, alteration of stream flow/water tables
Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, City of Superior, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, National Park Service
Narrative: Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Shore is unique in its features of drowned river mouths and remnant coastal wetlands. This project will document the existing coastal wetlands along Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shore and identify those wetlands which need protection or restoration. The project will specifically identify areas suitable for restoring wetland hydrology on previously converted wetlands. There is a strong education and outreach component to this project, which will facilitate and require federal, state and tribal information exchange. This project has leveraged additional resources allowing for expansion of the scope to include additional components of this unique ecosystem.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Inventory of unique coastal wetlands and other unique communities; identifying priorities for protection/restoration.
Acres Impacted: ~1,000,000 acres inventoried
Contact:
Tony Herek
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-3511
Award Amount: FY1992 - $70,000, FY1993 - $70,000, FY1994 - $70,000
Dollars Leveraged: $11,052
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - September 30, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Lake Superior Basin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario
Narrative: The purpose of this project was to provide funding for Michigan’s coordination on Lake Superior issues. This assistance allowed MDNR staff to be involved in the development of “The Binational Program to Restore and Protect the Lake Superior Basin” and to continue to work toward the implementation of the program. MDNR staff also participated in the coordination of the program through membership on the Lake Superior Task Force and Lake Superior Work Group. In addition, staff have participated in Lake Superior Advisory Forum meetings, helped draft work plans and communications strategies, and have conducted public meetings in the Lake Superior basin to enhance awareness and generate public support for the program.
Status: Project has been completed.
Economic Impact: Creation of one full time job for the duration of the project.
#54 - LAKE SUPERIOR HABITAT COORDINATOR
(FY1992, FY1993 - X99581301/011 - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency;
FY1994 - GL995662-01-0 -Minnesota Department of Natural Resources;
FY1995 - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
Contact:
Pat Collins
120 State Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Tel: (218) 834-6612 / Fax: (218) 834-6639
Award Amount: FY1992 - $70,000, FY1993 - $70,000, FY1994 - $70,000, FY1995 - $70,000
Dollars Leveraged: $14,400
Project Timetable: June 1, 1992 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Lake Superior Watershed (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario
Narrative: The Habitat Coordinator is the designated State liaison with Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Lake Superior habitat issues. Specific duties include: coordinating and negatiating technical work commitments with WI, MI, and Canadian staff; attending and participating in all necessary Binational Program meetings; developing criteria to define, identify, and prioritize important habitat sites; collecting, summarizing and evaluating information and data as needed to fulfill work plan commitments; developing a database for information obtained; developing habitat protection/remediation project recommendations; managing habitat restoration projects, including Hearding Island Native Community and Grassy Point Habitat Restoration; and serving as technical lead for the St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan Habitat Work Group.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: (Through March 1995) Revisions to the final working draft of Criteria for the Identification of Important Habitat in the Lake Superior Watershed completed and distributed to the Habitat Committee; efforts to coordinate habitat efforts in the watershed begun with other partners; St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan recommendations distributed; management of Hearding Island and Grassy Point begun (see additional writeups under project #41 and 43).
Economic Impact: One full time job created for the duration of the project.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1992 -FY1994: $210,000 (3 x $70,000)
Dollars Leveraged: $10,500 (3 x $3,500)
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Lake Superior Basin, Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Many unique communities and threatened or endangered species
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Michigan, Minnesota, Ontario, The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Narrative: From FY92-FY96, GLNPO funded a project with Wisconsin DNR to provide coordination on Lake Superior habitat issues. The funds have provided staff working in a binational effort to define the characteristics of critical habitat in the Lake Superior Basin. The project has defined the “critical habitat” criteria, and utilized those criteria to identify and map critical habitat areas within the Basin. A GIS layer is being created to document and share this information. The final report will support the broader program associated with the Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan. This binational effort is providing a basis for long range planning to support the protection of the identified resources in the Basin. The State has also used the assistance to develop, promote, and manage habitat protection and restoration projects; conduct public outreach activities; and provide State representation on remedial action program committees.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Better targetted and more effective use of resources in protecting the fragile Lake Superior ecosystem.
Economic Impact: Protecting the special resources of the Lake Superior Basin is critical to maintain the tourism industry which is a significant input to the regional economy. Creation of one full time job for the duration of the project.
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $71,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,550
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Lake Superior Basin - Wisconsin (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Regionally endangered species (Trumpeter Swans)
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, over-harvest (resource management)
Partners: Bad River Tribe, Windway Captial Foundation, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, National Park Service
Narrative: Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) were extirpated from Wisconsin during the 19th century. The bird almost disappeared mostly because of hunting and the millinery trade. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is attempting to re-establish the Trumpeter utilizing Alaskan stock and innovative research and management strategies. The recovery goal is to establish a breeding and migratory population of at least 20 pairs in Wisconsin by the year 2000.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Restoration of a species that had been regionally extirpated.
Economic Impact: Increased bird watching traffic at release sites.
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $50,000
Dollars Leveraged: $9,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Clay Banks Refuge, Lake Michigan (local)
Great Lakes System: Open lake
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Lake Trout, formerly extirpated in Lake Michigan
Stressors Impairing System: Shortage of adequate spawning habitat (habitat destruction), sedimentation
Partners: University of Wisconsin-Sea Grant, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Narrative: Although large populations of mature lake trout are present in the Clay Banks Refuge, the purpose of this project is to design one or more artificial spawning reefs for lake trout in or near the refuge. The design for the reefs will be developed in consultation with experts throughout the Great Lakes area. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Sea Grant, various academic institutions and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will all have a role in planning the design for the reefs.
Status: Final design completed
Environmental Results/Products: Increased spawning habitat for lake trout.
Economic Impact: If funds can be located for construction, dramatically improved sport fishery would result.
Contact:
David Risley
Ohio Division of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife
1840 Belcher Drive
Columbus, OH 43224-1329
(614) 265-6331
Award Amount: FY1993 - $50,000
Dollars Leveraged: $57,500
Project Timetable: January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Lucas County, Ohio, adjacent to Maumee Bay on Lake Erie. The restoration was within the Lake Erie Marshes Focus Area, Lower Great Lakes Joint Venture, North American Waterfowl Management Plan (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Significant Elements/Communities: Restoration provided increased habitat for the following species: mallards, wood ducks, blue-winged teal, Canadian geese, marsh wrens, least bitterns, American coots, bald eagles, and other shorebirds, furbearers and wading birds.
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, development
Partners: Ducks Unlimited, Lake Erie Wildfowlers, Ohio Fish and Wildlife Management Association, Shelby Conservation League, Maumee Valley Audubon Club
Narrative: The project involved the restoration and enhancement of 400 acres of wetland in the Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area owned by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The results of the project included an increase in diversity of wetland types to maximize waterbird production and staging, the establishment of a biological corridor between Maumee Bay State Park and Little Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, enhanced outdoor education and recreation opportunities for the public and enhanced control of agricultural run-off. The means to achieve the results involved restoring and rebuilding the wetland habitat by building dikes and establishing water control on degraded wetland and old agricultural fields. A dedication for the restored area took place on June 24, 1995.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: 400 acres of restored and enhanced coastal wetland.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $50,000
Acres Impacted: 400
Contact:
Bernard Czartoski
Maumee Valley RC&D Area
06825 State Rt. 66 North, Suite C
Defiance, OH 43512
(419) 784-3717
Award Amount: FY1994 - $125,000
Dollars Leveraged: $51,575 (to date but will exceed)
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Defiance, Williams, Fulton, Henry, Van Wert, Putnam, Paulding, and Allen Counties in northwest Ohio (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, alteration of nutrient inputs, habitat destruction
Partners: U.S.D.A. Agriculture Research Service, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Land Improvement Contractors, the drainage industry
Narrative: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how the construction and management of wetland reservoirs can be economically profitable to farmers while increasing wildlife habitat. The focus of the demonstration will be to construct three permanent wetland reservoirs on private and/or public lands. The intent is to capture runoff from cropland as well as other sources, store this water in a wetland reservoir, and use the stored water in a subirrigation system during periods of low rainfall. The project improvements will consist of installing a subirrigation/drainage system and/or retrofitting one-half of a drainage system which is already installed. The potential for wetland restoration in Ohio is over 500,000 acres.
Status: Ongoing. The second of three demonstration sites has been completed and the third is in progress. A “field day” was conducted on June 23, 1995, to showcase the first site and further educate local citizens about the project.
Environmental Results/Products: Educational slide show and video; demonstration of method for increasing crop yields and wildlife habitat while decreasing cost outlays.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $125,000
Acres Impacted: 42
Primary Contact:
Greg Lake
Allen County Soil & Water Conservation District
Executive Park, Suite 103
2010 Inwood Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
(219) 422-3373
Contact:
Randy Jones
(219) 422-3373
Award Amount: FY1992 - $23,000, FY1994 - $23,000
Dollars Leveraged: $30,050
Project Timetable: April 15, 1993 - May 20, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Cedar Creek Watershed in northern Allen County, southeast Noble County and central and southern DeKalb County, Indiana (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Stressors Impairing System: Development, agriculture, alteration of nutrient inputs
Partners: U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Cedar Creek Watershed Alliance, Purdue University
Narrative: The purpose of the initial project was to produce a sortable database that inventoried potential wetland restoration sites for the entire Cedar Creek watershed. The inventory was used to generate mailing lists for initial landowner contacts. Landowners were surveyed in order to guage interest in the restoration of wetlands for enhanced wildlife habitat and increased erosion control. A total of 197 landowners with potentially restorable wetlands on their property were contacted. A total of 73 site visits were completed. Of these, 50 sites were deemed worthy of surveys. This produced 39 sites that were constructed, for a total of 192 acres of restored wetlands.
The second phase of the project is intended to expand the efforts in the Cedar Creek watershed to include prairie restorations along with wetland restorations. The Cedar Creek Watershed Alliance efforts have expanded into involvement with the St. Joseph Watershed Initiative, a tri-state (IN, MI and OH) collaboration concerned with watershed management.
Status: FY1992 grant is closed, FY 1994 grant is ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Wetland inventory database; a brochure describing the restoration program; 192 acres of restored wetlands; and, 276 acres of restored prairies.
Economic Impact: Creation of one full-time job for the duration of both projects.
Acres Impacted: 468
Contact:
John Koss
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
P.O. Box 910 Courthouse Rd.
Keshena, WI 54135
Tel: (715) 799-4937 / Fax: (715) 799-4323
Award Amount: FY1994 - $127,276
Dollars Leveraged: $10,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Menominee Reservation, Wisconsin (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial
Stressors Impairing System: Hydroelectric project (toxics), agriculture, development, non-point source pollution
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Biological Service, The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, College of the Menominee Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Narrative: The goal of the project is to promote the protection and restoration of quality forest and riparian habitats and their components within the Menominee Reservation and the Great Lakes basin through education and outreach, creating new partnerships, and promoting biological integrity. The project will promote the Menominee exceptional sustained yield forestry program in order to foster similar success eslewhere in the basin. A technical manual that promotes the Menominee forestry practices and the Menominee Tribal Enterprises Forest Management Plan will be prepared in addition to a more general “layman” brochure, a sustained yield forestry/white pine management video, coordinated tours, and a seminar promoting the Menominee silviculture. Efforts will be directed toward creation and development of new partnerships with federal and private agencies to better participate in the Great Lakes Initiative. Biological integrity will be promoted through the reintroduction of wild rice and research into feasibility of lake sturgeon fishway needs.
Memorandums of Understanding among the Tribe, the College of the Menominee Nation and Menominee Tribal Enterprises have been signed to carry out the education and outreach portion of the project. A number of lake sturgeon were planted in the Wolf River above the hydroproject and will be monitored. The Tribe is in the planning and development stages for wild rice reintroduction in Pine Lake, and potential sturgeon fishway studies on the Wolf River.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Technical manual, brochure, forestry video
Economic Impact: Wild rice and sturgeon are the two of the most important cultural and nutritional resources to the Menominee Tribe historically. Education and outreach products will provide technical support to be used elsewhere in the basin, thereby increasing the potential for economic sustainability.
Acres Impacted: 236,000 acres
#62 - METZGER'S MARSH WILDLIFE AREA (FY1993 - GL995431-01)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
Contact:
David Risley
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife
1840 Belcher Drive
Columbus, OH 43224-1329
(614) 265-6331
Award Amount: FY1993 - $50,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,400,000
Project Timetable: November 1, 1993 - December 31, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Lucas County, Ohio, adjacent to the Ottawa National Wildlife Area and within the Lake Erie Marshes (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Significant Elements/Communities: Palusterine emergent Lake Erie wetland; black ducks; habitat for waterfowl and neotropical migrants; feeding marshes for egrets and herons; and, bald eagle nesting sites adjacent to this site.
Stressors Impairing the System: Shoreline erosion, high water levels (alteration of lake levels)
Partners: Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maumee Bay Audubon, Lake Erie Wildfowlers, Ohio Decoy Carvers, Wolf Creek Sportsmen's Club
Narrative: Feeding marshes, habitat for bald eagles, and increased biodiversity through the provision of migration, nesting and brooding habitat for waterfowl and neotropical migrants resulted from implementation of the project. Other results included enhanced agricultural drainage, improved water quality, and enhanced recreational and educational opportunities. As a result of this project, 558 acres of Ohio Division of Wildlife and 350 acres of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coastal wetlands on the southern shore of Lake Erie were restored through the construction and installation of a dike, pump station, and a water control structure.
Progress to Date: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: The project involved the restoration of 908 acres of wetlands.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $50,000
Acres Impacted: 908
#63 - MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA NATIVE PLANT DEMONSTRATION AREA (FY1995 - GL985160-01-0)
Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council
Contact:
Randy Wilkinson
Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council
201 Rublein Street
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 226-7487
Award Amount: FY1995 - $16,350
Dollars Leveraged: $10,000
Project Timetable: August 15, 1995 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Escanaba and Marquette, Michigan (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial, inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Native prairie flowers and grasses
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, development
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, Lakeshore National Park, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Mead Paper, Champion Forests, local citizens
Narrative: The Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council will use this assistance to increase public knowledge on the potential for use of native plants in ecosystem planning, habitat restoration and ornamental plantings within the region. The results of this grant will be the development of a native plant demonstration area which will include walking trails and plant information stations. Currently, over 600 school children a year tour the area in which the native plant demonstration project is to be added.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Native plant garden educational brocure and poster; informational trail signs.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $1,800
Acres Impacted: « acre actual, but potential to impact an estimated 500 acres per year if demand for native landscaping remains high.
#64 - MIDWEST OAK ECOSYSTEMS RECOVERY PLAN
(FY1994 - GL995653-01-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Steve Packard
8 South Michigan, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 346-8166 / Fax: (312) 346-5606
Award Amount: FY1994 - $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $1,053
Project Timetable: August 1, 1994 - October 1, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: Inland upland, lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Oak savanna, Karner blue butterfly
Stressors Impairing System: Development, agriculture, invasive exotic plant species
Partners: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Northeastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept. of the Army, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Forest Preserve Districts of Cook, Kane, DuPage, McHenry, Lake, and Will Counties, Illinois, plus numerous local volunteer restoration groups such as the North Branch Prairie Project.
Narrative: The project will complete and implement the Midwest Oak Ecosystems Recovery Plan. A draft recovery plan was prepared as a result of the 1993 Oak Savanna Conference and its working sessions as well as a follow up conference held October 1994. Objectives include: (1) setting regional priorities for conservation and restoration efforts; (2) facilitating the work of public and private institutions in carrying out restoration projects; (3) determining how the Recovery Plan can best support and facilitate restoration projects; and (4) demonstrating the effectiveness and importance of the regional recovery plan in supporting two specific savanna projects within the Great Lakes Basin.
A Recovery Plan coordinator was recently hired. The coordinator (1) consults with managers of savanna restoration sites in the basin to gather input on how the development of the regional Recovery Plan can best support and facilitate oak savanna projects; (2) identifies, in cooperation with GLNPO and other knowledgeable agencies and people in the field of oak savanna restoration, two specific savanna projects in the Great Lakes Basin, at least one of them being a restoration project, at which to demonstrate the effectiveness and importance of the regional Recovery Plan in supporting and facilitating savanna restoration; and (3) produces a concise Action Plan for accomplishing (2), by September 1, 1995. The final recovery plan was released at the Midwest Oak Savanna and Woodland Ecosystem Conference in Springfield Missouri, September 1995.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Final draft: Midwest Oak Ecosystems Recovery Plan: A Call to Action.
Economic Impact: Creation of one part time job for two years.
#65 - MIGHTY ACORNS YOUTH STEWARDSHIP EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (FY1994 - GL995612-01-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Diane Reckless
The Nature Conservancy
8 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 346-8166, extension 26
Award Amount: FY1994 - $58,096
Dollars Leveraged: $70,000
Project Timetable: July 1, 1994 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Southeast Chicago, Illinois (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Oak savannah and native prairie communities
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, fire suppression, exotic species
Partners: Cook County Forest Preserve District, Altgeld Gardens children and adult volunteers
Narrative: This project will expand, implement and evaluate The Nature Conservancy’s Mighty Acorns Youth Stewardship Education Program in communities in Southeast Chicago. This grant will allow The Nature Conservancy to expand their existing program to Southeast Chicago youth so that they can provide hands-on education and restoration activities to underserved communities. Partnerships will be developed with schools, students, and volunteer docents in the community so that they learn the importance of protecting and restoring habitat in the Great Lakes Basin.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: This program will expose over 500, 3rd and 7th grade inner city children to ecological concepts and communities; publication of quarterly newsletter, “The Seedling”.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $3,000; funding for one full-time and one part-time position for duration of project.
Acres Impacted: Restoration of approximately 50 acres of oak savannah/prairie habitat.
#66 - NETTLE LAKE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT
(FY1993 - X995943-01-0, FY1994 - GL995630-01-0)
Maumee Valley Resource Conservation & Development Area
Contact:
Bernard J. Czartoski
Maumee Valley RC&D
06825 State Route 66 North
Suite C
Defiance, OH 43512
(419) 784-3717
Award Amount: FY1993 - $6,070, FY1994 - $10,000
Dollars Leveraged: $14,100
Project Timetable: May 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Williams County, Ohio (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland, lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon), Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile), lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta), pugnose minnow (Notropis emiliae), reflexed bladder sedge (Carex retrorsa), small purple fringed orchid (Plantanthera psycodes), white-stem pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus), Canada frostweed (Hellanthemum canadense), dwarf bulrush (Hemicarpha micrantha), dwarf dandelion (Krigia virginica), yellow vetchling (Lathyrus ochroleucus), matted spikerush (Eleocharis intermedia), American panicgrass (Panicum columbianum), tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Stressors Impairing System: Development, agriculture
Partners: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Defiance College, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ottowa National Wildlife Refuge, Maumee State Forest, Nettle Lake Steering Committee
Narrative: The purpose of the initial project was to develop a brochure, a slide presentation, and erect signs showing endangered and/or threatened plant and animal species in the Nettle Lake area in order to inform landowners and lake users of the significance of the lake as habitat. The second part of the project has four tasks: to determine the plant and animal populations by habitat distribution, resident and migratory species, and season; determine water qualtiy relationships to resident and migratory species; develop a master plan for conservation and ecological restoration of habitats; and, to disseminate findings to area residents.
Status: The first project has been completed. The brochure has been completed and distributed, informative signs have been placed at the lake, a slide presentation that tells the ecosystem, history, and future prospects of the lake has been completed. The second project is ongoing.
Environmental Results/Products: A brochure, slide presentation, and signage at Nettle lake.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $9,500
Acres Impacted: 13,700
#67 - NORTHERN PIKE SPAWNING AND NURSERY RESTORATION
(FY1993 - GL995427-01, -02)
GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
P.O.
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $153,000
Dollars Leveraged: $8,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: West shore of Green Bay, Lake Michigan (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal marsh
Stressors Impairing System: Development, alteration of stream flow, sedimentation
Partners: Wildlife Forever, Brown County, Oconto County, Town of Pensaudee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Narrative: This project supports the fish community objectives for Green Bay where northern pike, an important top predator, has suffered from degradation of spawning and nursery habitat. Access to spawning sites is being restored in western Green Bay tributaries. Restoration sites will be monitored, pike production assessed, and a comprehensive plan for the western shore of Green Bay has been developed.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Increased balance in Green Bay food chain
Economic Impact: Increased sport fishing opportunities
Acres Impacted: 20
#68 - NORTHWESTERN OHIO LAKEPLAIN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
(FY1993 - GL995819-02-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Terry Seidel
Kitty Todd Preserve
10420 Old State Line Rd.
Swanton, OH 43558
Tel: (419) 867-1521 / Fax: (419) 867-8049
Award Amount: FY1993 - $151,500
Dollars Leveraged: $7,575
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Oak openings region of northwest Ohio, southwest Lake Erie marshes (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, coastal marsh, lakeplain
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Sand barrens, black oak savannas, coastal plain marshes, moist sand prairies, wet forested flatwoods, over 60 highly ranked state-listed rare plant species including Agalinis skinneriana, Hypericum kalmainum, and Euthamis remota, reintroduction of the Karner blue butterfly, migratory waterfowl and songbird habitat
Stressors Impairing System: Development, artificial drainage (water level management), fire suppression
Partners: Oak Openings Working Group (a consortium of local partners that includes the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Division of Forestry, Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Transportation, Toledo Metroparks, Natural Areas Stewardship Inc., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many others)
Narrative: The Oak Openings is a 130 square mile region that supports a mosaic of black oak savanna and wet prairie communities. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the 400 acre Kitty Todd Preserve. Approximately 7,900 additional acres are under public ownership including Maumee State Forest, Toledo Metroparks, and several State Nature Preserves. The goals of the project include the facilitation and instigation of conservation techniques on private and quasi-public lands throughout the region. Additionally, the project also provides the means to motivate and facilitate acquisition and management practices at existing conservation sites. The encouragement of regional planning that incorporates biodiversity issues is another goal of the project. The Southwestern Lake Erie marshes, a secondary component of the project is an area of approximately 30,000 acres, much of which is under the ownership of federal, state or private refuges. The Conservancy owns the 1,000 acre Putnam Marsh. Emphasis on this part of the project is to identify ways that overall biodiversity can best be served through restoration and management practices.
Stress analysis complete; Site Conservation Plan nearly completed; and, partner building ongoing. Oak Openings Ecosystem Tour conducted for decision makers of the region. “Conservation Development” seminar scheduled for developers and planners this spring. Land acquisition at the Consrvancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve has increasedsignificantly. Ohio Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan being developed in conjunction with partners. Private and quasi-public land registry programs initiated. Habitat management on existing conservation lands is expanding.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The results of this work will be increased protection of outstanding biological resources in the Oak Openings and Lake Erie marshes ecosystems of northwestern Ohio, and the strengthening of local partnerships essential for the long-term conservation of these systems.
Economic Impact: One full time position for the duration of the project.
Acres Impacted: 130 square miles (83,200 acres)
#69 - ONION RIVER FISH HABITAT RESTORATION (FY1993 - GL995427-01)
GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
P.O.
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1993 - $32,000
Dollars Leveraged: $22,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Onion River, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin (local)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Lake Michigan anadromous fish spawning habitat
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, erosion, sedimentation
Partners: Cedar Grove High School, Wisconsin Education Board, Wisconsin Conservation Corps, Wayne Navis (landowner), Trout Unlimited, City of Sheboygan
Narrative: The slumping and eroding stream banks of the Onion River provide very poor quality fish habitat and contribute significantly to downstream water quality degradation. With the cooperation of the City of Sheboygan, the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, Trout Unlimited, and a broad range of community supporters, this project will demonstrate the ability to restore degraded resources in an urban setting. To improve the quality of the stream banks, "LUNKER" type bank covers will be installed.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Improved fish spawning and holding habitat
Economic Impact: Improved sport fishery
Acres Impacted: Streambank on 1/2 mile of river
#70 - PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF SANDY POND PENINSULA, LAKE ONTARIO PROJECT (FY1994 - GL985129-01-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
David Klein
The Nature Conservancy
315 Alexander Street, Floor 2
Rochester, NY 14604
(716) 546-8030
Award Amount: FY1994 - $55,257
Dollars Leveraged: $4,920
Project Timetable: July 15, 1995 - July 14, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Robert Beltran 312-353-0826
Project Location: Oswego County, at the midpoint of eastern Lake Ontario shoreline between Syracuse and Watertown, New York, west of the village of Sandy Creek (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore - site is a sand spit barrier beach separating Sandy Pond from Lake Ontario.
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Site is an important element of the Easter Lake Ontario Megasite identified by The Nature Conservancy. Significant occurrence of globally rare Great Lakes dunes (G3G4/S1S2) , a health population of state rare sand dune willow (G5/S1, NY Threatened). Site is important to Caspian and Common Terns (G5/S1; G5/S3, NY Threatened, respectively) for feeding, resting, and rearing young. Site is also an exceptional migration corridor for shorebirds, waterbirds, and land birds.
Stressors Impairing System: Heavy public visitation (recreation) with commensurate dune erosion and disturbance of native vegetation, birds and wildlife (habitat destruction).
Partners: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Oswego County Soil and Water District, New York Sea Grant, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ontario Dunes Coalition. Coordiantion of planning, posting, and on-site management of site with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; public support of the project by town officials; active cooperation by Oswego County on coordianted management of their parcel within the site; intensive volunteer assistance (over 950 hours of service) by the Friends of Sandy Pond; individual donations of a boat/motor, moorage, storage, maintenance; assistance from the Oswego County Water and Soil District and Natural Resources Conservation Service in planning and implementation of restoration activities.
Narrative: Project provides innovative approach to public use management and education while providing protection to fragile sand dune/beach habitat. Includes 1) management planning with NYSDEC; 2) formation of local volunteer management support and assistance team; 3) construction of vehicle barrier, dune walkover, and placement of "symbol fencing" to route recreational traffic; 4) employment of local dune steward to provide onsite education, coalesce public support and compliance, perform site maintenance, and coordinate volunteer activities; 5) development and installation of onsite interpretive signage and brochures to supplement staff and volunteer communication with the visiting public.
In the first project year, a joint management plan was developed incorporating considerable public input and review, and was adopted, receiving the Oswego County Planning Board's Award for Excellence in Planning. A Dune Steward was hired, and a volunteer group was formed, the Friends of Sandy Pond, providing critical support in the first season of recreational management. Wih assistance of the Friends, NYSDEC rangers, and staff, the Dunesteward obtained 80-90% cooperation from the approximately 30,000 visitors to the site. A local publisher produced a brochure distributed by staff and volunteers both on the beach and in the community. In 1995, 9,000 culms of beach grass were planted to restore eroded dunes, a walkover structure was designed and framed by a local contractor, with volunteer completion pending for 1996. Interpretive panels and kiosk frame are currently in design and review, and a permanent trifold brochure is in the planning phase.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Demonstrates a transferable mangement approach that models combining professional staff with volunteers and seasonal education/public relations personnel. Restoration and protection through diminished erosion of fragile dune complex, as well as reduced disturbance of native vegetation, shorebirds and wildlife with enhanced user access, education and quality of experience.
Economic Impact: The project provides for 1 1/2 seasons of locally hired stewards. It uses services and products of local lumberyards, contractors, and publisher. Local marinas, restaurants, and lodgin facilities depend upon and benefit from patronage of visitors attracted primarily by the site.
Acres Impacted: 77
#71 - RESTORATION OF GREAT LAKES COASTAL HABITATS
(FY1995 - GL985180-01-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Primary Contact:
Maureen Martin
The Nature Conservancy
2840 East Grand River Avenue, #5
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 332-1741
Contact:
Jack McGowan-Stinski
(517) 332-1741
Award Amount: FY1995 - $40,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,105
Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - March 30, 1998
GLNPO Project Officer: Callie Bolattino
(312) 353-3490
Project Location: Dudley Bay, along the Lake Huron shoreline; Maxton Plains, on Drummond Island; Point Betsie, near Frankfort, Michigan; Grass Bay, near Cheboygan, Michigan (local).
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, inland terrestrial, inland wetland
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Dudley Bay includes a three mile shoreline parcel that contains a very high quality occurrence of bedrock beach and good occurrences of northern fen and dwarf lake iris, federally listed as a threatened species. Coastal dunes and swales at this site also possess occurrences of two other federally listed threatened species: Pitcher’s thistle and Houghton’s goldenrod. Maxton Plains is a high quality alvar community on Drummond Island that supports a diverse assemblage of rare species, including Hill’s thistle and the tawny crescentspot butterfly. Point Betsie is dominated by coastal dunes which provide habitat for Pitcher’s thistle, and two species rare in Michigan: the Lake Huron locust, and fascicled broomrape. The various habitats of Grass Bay support healthy populations of Houghton’s goldenrod, state threatened Lake Huron tansy, and dwarf lake iris.
Stressors Impairing System: Exotic species
Partners: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, citizens
Narrative: The Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy will use this assistance to protect and maintain ecologically significant open dune, interdunal wetlands and alvar grassland communities and the threatened and endangered plants and animals that reside in four Michigan nature preserves. The grant will accomplish the protection goals by reclaiming habitat from alien plant species distributions, determining distributions of key elements in relations to alien plant species distributions, developing and field-testing new biological management techniques and establishing local volunteer preserve committees.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Outcomes of this study will be: increased numbers of efficient work days and field trips; enhanced public outreach; more efficient restoration techniques; the ability to provide a learning experience for interns; and, improved partnerships.
Economic Impact: Creation of two full time intern positions for 4 months each.
Acres Impacted: Dudley Bay, 750; Grass Bay, 500; Point Betsie, 80; Maxton Plains, 900 (2,230 total acres).
#72 - RESTORATION OF HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLY IN THE ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK
(FY 1995 - DW 14947739-O1-O)
Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Contacts:
Benjamin Tuggle
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chicago Field Office
1000 Hart Road, Suite 180
Barrington, IL 60010
(815) 675-2385
Brad Semel
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
110 James Road
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(847) 381-2253
Award Amount: FY1995 - $18,000
Dollars Leveraged: Unquantified. This IAG will leverage allocation of staff by Illinois Department of Natural Resources and will stimulate volunteer work effort.
Project Timetable: September 15, 1995 - August 31, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, Illinois (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore (Dunes)
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Lycaeides melissa samuels (Karner Blue Butterfly) and dunes
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction, exotic species, fire suppression
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and Lake County Forest Preserve District
Narrative: The project consists of two stages. Native wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) within the Illinois Beach State Park (IBSP) will be mapped, evaluated and restored as a critical step in restoring the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). When recovery of the lupine is sufficient for ISBP to be given priority by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for reintroduction of the butterfly, larvae will be obtained and released.
Status: Ongoing. Brush has been mechanically removed during dormant season. Lupines will be monitored and reintroduced as necessary.
Environmental Results/Products: Removal of exotic plant species, restoration of lupine population, and reintroduction of the Karner blue butterfly.
Economic Impact: Indirect
Acres Impacted: approximately 470
#73 - RESTORATION OF MIGHIGAN LAKEPLAIN NATURAL COMMUNITIES (FY1992, FY1993 - X99594401)
The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Leni Wilsmann
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Mason Building, 5th Floor
Box 3044
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Tel: (517) 373-1552 / Fax: (517) 373-6705
Award Amount: FY1992 - $32,399, FY1993 - $24,300
Dollars Leveraged: $43,500
Project Timetable: May 1, 1992 - April 30, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Fish Point Wildlife Area, Algonac State Park, Allegan State Game Area, Point Mouillee State Game Area, Michigan (local)
Great Lakes System: Lakeplain, coastal wetland
Significant Elements/Communities: Lake plain prairies including the following endangered, threatened, and species of special concern: eastern prairie white-fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea), king rail (Rallus elegans), Skinner's gerardia (Agalinis skinneriana), Gattinger's gerardia (Agalinis gattengeri), three-awned grass (Aristida longispica), tall green milkweed (Asclepias hirtella), Sullivant's milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), prairie Indian plantain (Cacalia plantaginea), white lady slipper (Cypripedium candidum), short-fruited rush (Juncus brachycarpus), seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia), arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis), eastern fox snake (Elaphe vulpina gloydi), and tall nut rush (Scleria triglomerata). Coastal plain marsh including the following threatened and special concern species: three-ribbed spike rush (Elocharis trichostata), short-fruited rush (Juncus brachycarpus), scirpus-like rush (Juncus scirpoides), Vasey's rush (Juncus vaseyi), tall nut-rush (Scleria triglomerata), Atlantic blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum), two-flowered rush (Juncus biflorus), cross-leaved milkwort (Polygala cruciata), whorled mountain mint (Pycnanthemum verticillatum), and tooth cup (Rotala ramosior).
Stressors Impairing System: Shoreline development, agriculture, silviculture, sand mining, control of natural fire (fire suppression), hydrological cycles (water level management)
Partners: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Narrative: The goals of this project are to restore natural hydrologic conditions and remove brush mechanically or through the reintroduction of fire in the remnant coastal wetland and lakeplain vegetative communities of Allegan State Game Area (SW Michigan), Fish Point Wildlife Area (Saginaw Bay), Algonac State Park (St. Clair River), and Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe County). Water level fluctuations and selected endangered, threatened, or special concern species will be monitored. The resulting data will form the baseline to determine the effects of water fluctuations and prescribed fire on native plant communities and the effects of community restoration activities on habitat-restricted sensitive species. This is a demonstration project to test new approaches to habitat restoration on traditionally game lands.
Field work is complete, including prescribed burns, attempts to restore the hydrological regime at one site, and the establishment of a monitoring regime for a federally threatened plant species. Final report is due in April 1996, which will include discussion of these restoration efforts on lakeplain species and communities. Inventories have discovered several prairie insect species previously known only from the Great Plains. In Michigan, they appear to be restrictedto lakeplain prairie remnants and must be carefully considered in future management planning.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Statewide lakeplain prairie inventory funded by Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)($37,000), completed December 1994. The restoration project stimulated interest in a statewide inventory, resulting in funding from CZM and MDNR. The inventory identified less than 1% of the native lakeplain prairie habitat remaining in Michigan. State and local officials and The Nature Conservancy are now working on conservation of the largest areas. A second positive result from the restoration project was that the results of the project influenced the research design for a suite of DNR-funded projects aimed to assess the feasibility of lakeplain wetland restoration in the Saginaw Bay watershed. A dollar value cannot be placed on these benefits.
Information on native species and communities, as well as hydrological fluctuations, to guide future restoration efforts in the lakeplain. Pending restoration efforts by MDNR and others will benefit from this information, as will restoration efforts outside of Michigan.
Economic Impact: Supported one half-time position over 2 years and a small local sub-contract for data collection for 2 years.
Acres Impacted: 730 acres, including all of the control areas for monitoring. Total acres actually manipulated is much less, about 175 acres.
#74 - SAGINAW BAY WATERSHED WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT (FY1993 - GL995429-01-0)
Lapeer County Soil and Water Conservation District
Contact:
Joseph A. Stock
1739 North Saginaw Street #300
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 664-3941
Award Amount: FY1993 - $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $2,900
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - September 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Saginaw Bay Watershed, Michigan (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, habitat destruction
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dow Chemical, General Motors, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and private landowners.
Narrative: The Lapeer County Soil &Water Conservation District will use this assistance to restore and enhance wetland resources and train district technicians in twenty-two counties. The project involves working with private landowners to restore wetlands through drainage ditch filling and/or breaking the tile lines in farm fields.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: Heightened awareness among local landowners of benefits of wetlands for wildlife habitat and clean water.
Economic Impact: More landowners are now requesting restorations on their property resulting in increased dollars to local contractors.
Acres Impacted: 58
#75 - SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN (FY1992 - X995819-01-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 West Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1992 - $68,000
Dollars Leveraged: $3,400
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - December 31, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems except open lake
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: State Natural Heritage Programs, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Narrative: The purpose of this project was to design and produce computerized maps of conservation sites for biological diversity. Data from the basin’s state and provincial Natural Heritage Data Centers were evaluated to identify concentrations of imperiled species and the best occurrances of wetland and coastal natural communities. This resulted in a list of 100 sites. These sites were further evaluated for their relative biodiversity significance, ecoregional representation, conservation opportunity, and the level of biodiversity protection already in place. From this process, 66 sites requiring additional protection were identified. These 66 sites provide some of the best opportunities to protect biological features in the basin and to monitor its ecological health.
Biologists from the state and provincial Natural Heritage Data Centers and The Nature Conservancy offices compiled detailed information on these sites and drafted ecological boundaries. These boundaries delineate the “core” area which contains the biodiversity features to be conserved, and a larger “ecosystem” area that generally outlines the geographic scope of ecological processes directly supporting those features. Also included on each map are areas currently managed for conservation and existing water quality monitoring stations.
In addition to the map, a Site Profile was prepared for each site. The Site Profile is an essential companion to the map as it provides a general description of the site, a discussion of how the boundaries were established, a summary of the site’s biodiversity significance, a description of the current protection afforded to the area, and other information such as potential offsite influences, water quality monitoring, and other values of the site. While these sites are not an exhaustive list of important biodiversity areas in the basin, were not compiled to be a list of the most important candidates for natural areas, and do not constitute a list of the highest priority places to protect biodiversity, they do collectively contain a disproportionate amount of the basin’s biological wealth as measured by element occurrences.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: The maps and Site Profiles are available at state and provincial Natural Heritage Data Centers. Individuals and organizations planning or conducting conservation or development activities within the identified sites are encouraged to contact the appropriate state and provincial Natural Heritage Data Center for further information.
#76 - SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
(FY1993 - GL995819-02-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Primary Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 759-8017
Contact:
Chris Maron
1330 West 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: (317) 923-7547 / Fax: (317) 923-7582
Award Amount: FY1993 - $115,500
Dollars Leveraged: $5,775
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Northwest Indiana (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore, lakeplain, inland wetland, inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Beach and dune communities, oak savanna, Karner blue butterfly
Stressors Impairing System: Development, toxic pollution, exotic species, solid waste disposal, fire suppression
Partners: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes State Park, Friends of Gibson Woods, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake County Parks, Grand Calumet Task Force, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Amoco Corportation, DuPont Corporation, Save the Dunes Council, NIPSCO, National Biological Service
Narrative: This initiative will increase volunteer participation and encourage the cooperation of public agencies, corporations, and individuals in the protection and restoration of biodiversity in the southern Lake Michigan watershed. Tasks to be performed include: the development of a volunteer stewardship network, the establishment of a recruitment and training program for volunteers, cooperation with agencies owning natural land, and the performance of on-the-ground stewardship activities.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The project will result in a network of trained and well-organized volunteers working on public, corporate, and other private lands to perform integrated management, protection, and restoration of biological diversity around the southern end of Lake Michigan. Already accomplished: participation in Habitat Subcommittee of the Remedial Action Plan; held workshops for volunteers on inventory and monitoring; held two restoration workdays each weekend and several on weekdays at 22 different sites; volunteer stewards assigned at 6 different sites.
Economic Impact: Creation of two full time positions for the duration of the project, published 6 newsletters with a minority-owned, local printer.
Acres Impacted: @ 1,800, not including Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore or State Park
#77 - ST. LOUIS RIVER WILD RICE RESTORATION (FY1993 -
GL995480-01; FY1994 - GL995651-01)
Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee
Contact:
Larry Schwartzkopf
Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee
105 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
Tel: (218) 879-1759 / Fax: (218) 879-4146
Award Amount: FY1993 - 49,000, FY1994 - $40,000
Dollars Leveraged: $14,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - September 1, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Richard Greenwood (312) 886-3853
Project Location: Fond du Lac Reservation, St. Louis River, Minnesota
(local)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Wild rice
Stressors Impairing System: Habitat destruction
Partners: Minnesota Chippewa Laboratory, Natural Resources Research
Institute, Leech Lake Natural Resoures Program
Narrative: Restoring 500 acres of wild rice beds in the St. Louis
River Area of Concern will protect the remaining localized seed sources, support
the Tribal economy, and improve wetland conditions for migratory waterfowl. The
goal of the project is to restore and manage the wild rice stands on Wild Rice
Lake/Reservoir, Rice Protage Lake and the St. Louis River. This project is part
of the Wild Rice Restoration Plan for the St. Louis River Watershed.
Nearly 1500 pounds of wild rice seed were planted in the lower St.Louis River
in 1994 and 1995. In addition, sediment nutrient levels were measured and
compared to those of a productive rice lake on the Reservation. Experimental
test exclosures were also installed to study the effects of carp and geese on
the growth and survival of rice plants. An inventory of the herbicides used in
the St. Louis River Watershed is being compiled, and water level records for the
Duluth/Superior Harbor are being reviewed to estimate their potential impact on
wild rice growth.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The roughly 200 pounds of rice seeded
in 1994 showed spotty growth in 1995, and it appeared as though geese fed on the
rice plants once they emerged, preventing appreciable growth above the water
line. There have also been observations of carp rolling in the shallow regions
of this estuary, and this feeding behavior of carp is known to be detrimental to
many aquatic macrophytes, including wild rice. Therefore, exclosures were
installed in the lower St. Louis River to test the effects of carp and geese on
rice growth and survival. Avoidance measures will be taken on seeded areas to
discourage geese from feeding on emerging wild rice plants, and the means of
preventing damage from carp on large areas is also being considered. Results of
a comparison of sediment nutrient levels from several sites in the lower St.
Louis River and Rice Portage Lake, a productive wild rice lake on the Fond du
Lac Reservation, showed that ammonia-nitrogen, ortho-phosphate, and potassium
levels were generally greater in the lower St. Louis River than Rice Portage
Lake. One backwater area with a layer of wood wastes approximately 15-30 cm deep
appears to have low levels of nitrogen. Entensive amounts of wood and pulp
wastes deposited over the years may be depleting available nitrogen to plants in
some areas.
Economic Impact: The long-term objective of this restoration project
is to reestablish approximately 500 acres of wild rice to the lower St. Louis
River, which appears to be an achievable long-term goal. Based on a resource
economist’s estimate of the fair market value of harvestable rice, the value of
500 acres of wild rice would be between $60,000 and $82,500 annually (Talhelm
and Talhelm, 1994 reort to Fond du Lac Reservation). Another economic benefit of
this wild rice restoration project would be to migratory waterfowl which feed on
the wild rice; however, this additional economic value will be difficult to
quantify.
Acres Impacted: 500
#78 - STRATEGIC OVERVIEW OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
(FY92 - X995819-01)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 West Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1992 - $150,000
Dollars Leveraged: $7,500
Project Timetable: October 1, 1992 - December 31, 1994
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes Basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: 131 communities and
species
Stressors Impairing System: All known stressors
Partners: Joyce Foundation, State Natural Heritage Programs, Nature
Conservancy of Canada
Narrative: The report, Conservation of Biological Diversity in the
Great Lakes Ecosystem: Issues and Opportunities, is intended as a strategic
framework for biodiversity conservation in the basin. The health of the key
biodiversity resources identified in this report gives tangible meaning to
concepts such as “ecological health” and “biological integrity.” Through the
kind of protection intitiatives identified, concrete steps can be taken toward
ensuring the health of the basin ecosystem.
The report identifies 131 elements and communities of global significance in
the basin. Of the 131, nearly half (47%) occur exclusively or predominantly
within the basin, or have their best examples here. Of the critically imperiled
elements, fully 77% belong to this category. The global existence of these
communities and species depends upon their survival in the Great Lakes basin.
They define the unique biological character of the Great Lakes ecosystem and
underscore the importance of preserving its biological diversity.
The report recommends four types of strategic activities to protect
biological diversity in the basin:
- Developing strategically coordinated, locally-based projects that
collectively address the most significant systems and stresses;
- Improving the basic and applied science necessary for biodiversity
conservation;
- Increasing awareness of the basin’s biological diversity and of methods to
conserve that diversity;
- Increasing the support of regional institutions, both governmental and
private, for the protection of biological diversity.
Status: Project has been completed.
Environmental Results/Products: The report: Conservation of
Biological Diversity in the Great Lakes Ecosystem: Issues and Opportunities.
#79 - STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION
OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE PIGEON RIVER ECOSYSTEM (FY1995 - GL985125-01)
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves
Contact:
Cloyce Hedge
Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center
Division of Nature Preserves
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 West Washington Street, Room W267
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-4052
Award Amount: FY1995 - $78,486
Dollars Leveraged: $74,935 (INDNR, TNC and USFWS)
Project Timetable: November 1, 1995 - November 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Lake Michigan basin, tributary to the St. Joseph
River, Lagrange County, Indiana (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Inland wetland and inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Alkaline fens, oak savanna,
Karner blue and Mitchell's sater butterflies (buterflies possibly exterpated)
and other state imperiled and federal candidate species.
Stressors Impairing System: Lack of information and coordination, fire
suppression, exotic species
Partners: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy
Narrative: The purpose of the project is to develop a strategic plan
for the restoration and maintenance of the exceptionally rich biodiversity of
the Pigeon River watershed, identified as one of the three significant areas in
Indiana in the Nature Conservancy's 1994 report on biodiversity of the Great
Lakes basin. The project includes identification of important biodiversity
elements within the area, identification of critical habitats and ecological
processes, factors degrading the critical habitats, and strategies and
timetables for addressing those factors.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Improved information on resources and
stressors will support development of priorities within the recovery plan. This
will result in accelerated and more effective public and private restoration and
protection activities.
Economic Impact: Immediate direct impact is through support of the
local Fish Creek/Pigeon River Project Office with its salaries and support
expenditures. Long term impact will be through sustainable development aspect of
the recovery plan and long term use of the surrounding Pigeon River State Fish
and Wildlife Area.
#80 - TARGETING SYSTEM FOR AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY
CONSERVATION (FY1993 - GL995819-02-0)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Sue Crispin
The Nature Conservancy
79 W. Monroe, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 759-8017 / Fax: (312) 759-8409
Award Amount: FY1993 - $163,000
Dollars Leveraged: $458,150
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Great Lakes basin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems except inland terrestrial
Stressors Impairing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: State Natural Heritage Programs
Narrative: The purpose of this project is to develop a classification
and inventory framework for freshwater aquatic biological communities in order
to guide the identification and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in the
Great Lakes basin. The state Heritage Programs do not yet have a methodology for
including freshwater aquatic systems as a standard component of their
conservation inventory and analysis. Extending the capacity of the existing
Heritage methodology to include aquatic communities is an efficient way to
develop an integrated targeting system for conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
The objectives are: to assemble information on existing classification and
inventory, and engage appropriate partners; to develop a standard approach for
the inventory, classification, characterization, ranking, and monitoring of
aquatic communities that is compatible with, and can be implemented through the
Heritage Network; and to provide technical and financial assistance to the state
Natural Heritage Programs to conduct preliminary identification of high-priority
aquatic communities and unprotected areas of outstanding aquatic biodiversity in
the Great lakes littoral zone, rivers, streams, and inland lakes of the Great
Lakes basin.
An Aquatic Ecologist was hired and began work in March 1995. Literature
review of previous classification efforts was completed. A network of aquatic
and landscape ecologists was established and utilized for the development of a
classification framework. The theoretical framework and rational for the aquatic
classification was developed and presented at a special aquatic biodiversity
meeting of Nature Conservancy scientists. The framework has been discussed at
several other meetings and workshops of both The Nature Conservancy ecologists
and federal agency groups. The system is presently being developed by filling in
the framework with the classes of variables and attributes. Additional funding
support was secured from the George Gund Foundation over three years to expand
the development efforts.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The products will be a community
classification framework to guide aquatic biodiversity conservation in the Great
Lakes ecosystem, emphasizing the Great Lakes littoral zone, rivers, streams, and
inland lakes; application of this classification model in at least one state as
a basis for inventory to identify high quality occurrences of aquatic
communities; standardized ranking system and preliminary ranks for
aquatic communities to guide identification and conservation planning for
high-priority freshwater communities; preliminary identification of unprotected
areas of outstanding aquatic biodiversity in the Great Lakes basin; and
standardized tools for the management, analysis, and application of aquatic
community data to support conservation planning.
Economic Impact: Creation of one full time position and operational
support for the duration of the project. Support of heritage program and
contract biologists for the implementation and testing of the classification
system in the Great Lakes basin.
#81 - TURN A LOT AROUND (FY1995 - GL985202-01-0)
The Resource Center
Contact:
Peter Handler
The Resource Center
222 East 135th Place
Chicago, IL 60627-1813
(312) 758-1352
Award Amount: FY1995 - $20,000
Dollars Leveraged: $25,000
Project Timetable: September 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997
GLNPO Project Officer:
Callie Bolattino (312) 353-3490
Project Location: Stateway Gardens Housing Development, Chicago,
Illinois (local)
Great Lakes System: Inland terrestrial
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Native priaire vegetation
Stressors Impairing System: Development, solid waste disposal
Partners: Chicago Housing Authority, Elliott Donnelley Youth Center,
Stateway Gardens Junior Police, City Year, Illinois Institute of Technology, The
Nature Conservancy, Blackstone Bicycle Co-op, Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago
Field Museum, Mid-South Planning and Development Commission, Public Allies,
Raymond Elementary School, Crispus Attucks Elementary School, Wendell Phillips
High School, local residents
Narrative: The Resource Center will use this assistance to provide
environmental and business education opportunities for city-dwelling children
while restoring vacant lots to native seed gardens. The results of this grant
will be the establishment of an Ecology Club at the Chicago Housing Development,
Stateway Gardens. The participants in the Ecology Club will receive summer
employment to clean vacant lots on Stateway Gardens property and develop those
areas into permanent native seed gardens. The students will additionally study
ways to market the seeds for profit and make the program financially
self-sustaining. The program will be sustained by the larger beautification
effort being undertaken by the management of Stateway Gardens in collaboration
with the Resource Center and other organizations. This larger effort
incorporates many different elements that are mutually reinforcing; elements
centrally focused on themes of economic development, community gardens, and
landscaping that includes planting trees and establishing native grasses and
wild flowers as a presence throughout Stateway Gardens.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: The result of this work will be the
establishment of native seed gardens. It is intended that the seeds produced
will be sold for use in local restoration efforts.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $5,500
Acres Impacted: Approximately « acre actual, but total amount of acres
impacted is dependent upon success of seed production and distribution.
#82 - UPPER MIDWEST GAP ANALYSIS PROJECT(FY1993 -
DW14947667010)
National Biological Service Environmental Management Technology Center
Contact:
Frank D’Erschia
National Biological Service - EMTC
575 Lester Avenue
Onalaska, WI 54650-8552
Award Amount: FY1993 - $200,000
Dollars Leveraged: NBS = $400,000/yr thru FY98; MI, MN, WI
~$200,000/yr thru FY97
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1999
GLNPO Project Officer: Phil Strobel
Project Location: Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin (basinwide)
Great Lakes System: All systems
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Many threatened and
endangered species and ecosystem types
Stressors Imparing System: Virtually all known stressors
Partners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Narrative: Interagency Agreement supports the Upper Midwest Gap
Analysis Project for the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Gap
analysis uses Landsat TM satellite imagery and many additional sources of
information to determine the portion of biological diversity lying inside
protected areas. One important result of this project will be an Arc/Info
landcover map of the three states using a single land cover classification
scheme. (Lake Basins: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie)
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Land-cover, ownership, and species
range maps for the entire three state area will allow more effective management
of the region’s natural resources.
#83 - URBAN STREAM AND WILDLIFE HABITAT RESTORATION
(FY-1994 - GL995730-01-0)
Saginaw County Planning Department
Primary Contact:
Bill Wright
Saginaw County Planning Department
400 Court Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
(517) 797-6800
Contact:
Valerie Keib
RC Associates, Inc.
(517) 752-6500
Award Amount: FY1994 - $96,294
Dollars Leveraged: $5,068
Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - October 31, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Swan Creek Watershed, Saginaw, Midland, and Gratiot
Counties, Michigan (bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Marsh, bottomland hardwood
Stressors Impairing System: Agriculture, development, non-point source
pollution, toxics
Partners: Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Refuge; Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division; Michigan
Natural Features Inventory; Saginaw County Drain Commission; Saginaw County
Natural Resource Conservation Service; Saginaw County Cooperative Extension;
Wetlands Nursery; Local governments; and, private landowners.
Narrative: The project seeks to identify and restore urban streambanks
for the purpose of controlling erosion and protecting and maintaining riparian
wildlife habitat. The primary objective is to implement strategies that will
restore streambanks and wildlife habitat in urbanizing areas to a less-stressed
condition. Restoration will help residents fully realize the benefits of natural
resources. The project will provide a basis for guidelines on maintaining
wildlife and ecosystem values in areas subject to habitat fragmentation in an
urbanizing watershed; assess present knowledge about species-area relationships
in an urbanizing watershed; assist local decision makers in their efforts to
incorporate viable habitat into local government land use planning efforts,
open-space acquisition, and development plan reviews; encourage local
governments in coming together as co-watershed communities to tackle
environmental issues that cross their political boundaries; and, promote
understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship of a rich natural heritage.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Tasks include: identify and prioritize
restoration needs on urban/suburban riparian lands; evaluate the appropriateness
of sites; establish a plan for the development and implementation of
restoration; get local people involved in remediation by constructing, planting,
or otherwise implementing restoration recommendations; and, prepare a guidebook
for local government officials.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $15,500; partial funding for 2
positions.
Acres Impacted: 89,115
#84 - WATERSHED LEVEL BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENTS
(FY1993 - GL995819-02)
The Nature Conservancy
Contact:
Leni Wilsmann
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Mason Building, 5th Floor
Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Tel: (517) 373-1552 / Fax: (517) 373-6705
Award Amount: FY1993 - $86,000
Dollars Leveraged: $4,300
Project Timetable: October 10, 1993 -December 31,1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690
Project Location: Saginaw Bay, Northern Lake Huron/St. Mary's River
(bioregional)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: To be determined as a
product of the project
Stressors Impairing System: Development, agricultural, water level
management
Partners: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State
University, Saginaw Bay Watershed Council, Remedial Action Plan teams
Narrative: The biodiversity assessment of the Saginaw Bay and Northern
Lake Huron/St. Mary's River watersheds will provide a quantitative and
qualitative look at the status of native biota and natural ecosystems. The
project will provide an historical overview of ecological changes since European
settlement, analyze the current status of biological diversity from the
standpoint of natural community diversity and integrity, and analyze and
summarize the needs, options, and opportunities for conservation of biological
diversity within these watersheds.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Information about pre-European
settlement land-use/land-cover changes is being compiled, upland pre-European
settlement vegetation mapping for the Saginaw Bay watershed has been digitized.
At the conclusion of the project the products will be:
- GIS analysis of acreage of upland and wetland land cover types pre-European
and present, analysis of intermediate and recent land cover for selected
townships, major land use changes, natural community acreage changes since
pre-European settlement;
- Digitized maps of land cover pre-European settlement, present, and at
intermediate and recent dates for selected areas, remnant natural communities,
areas of exceptional species richness or of critical importance for at-risk
species;
- Compilation of available information on plants and animals that have
declined or increased in abundance and range and the causes for the decline or
increase;
- Summary of available information on key introduced species and current
restorability status for lands adjacent to selected natural communities and
current threats;
- Identification of inventory needs to refine natural community distribution
information;
- Summary of status, trends, threats, security, restoration potential,
habitat, management protection needs of at-risk and selected well-known species;
- Assessment of available habitat for selected species;
- Discussion of implications of landscape patterns for area-sensitive species
and for maintenance or restoration of selected species;
- List of prioritized conservation action needs and opportunities;
- Recommendations for additional field survey work to refine conservation
needs; and,
- Descriptive scenarios and maps of examples of alternative landscape changes
that address selected biodiversity goals.
Economic Impact: Created two part time positions for the duration of
this project.
Acres Impacted: Saginaw Bay Watershed, 8,709 square miles; Northern
Lake Huron/St. Mary’s Watershed, 1,000square miles; combined: approximately
10,000 square miles (6,400,000 acres).
#85 - WHIHALA BEACH DUNE RESTORATION (FY1993 -
GL995428-01-0)
Lake County Parks and Recreation Board
Contact:
Laura Karagory
6400 Harrison Street
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 980-2167
Award Amount: FY1993 - $25,460
Dollars Leveraged: $1,273
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - September 30, 1995
GLNPO Project Officer: Kent Fuller
Project Location: Whiting, Lake County, Indiana (local)
Great Lakes System: Coastal shore
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Franklin ground squirrel
Stressors Impairing System: Former industrial site (development), wind
and wave erosion, recreational use
Narrative: Thirteen acres of Lake Michigan shoreline property acquired
by Lake County Parks is being restored to dune habitat. Restoration began with a
site cleanup involving removal of a large volume of trash. Approximately 1,700
lineal feet of dune is being revegetated with native plant species to replicate
existing nearby dune habitat. An interpretive bike and pedestrian walkway will
introduce the public to the ecosystem at the west end of the park.
To date, the foredunes have been cleaned of trash, graded, nourished and
revegetated with Ammophila breviligualata. Additional acreage has been
included in the restoration to prevent erosion. One parking area has been
abandoned and will also be revegetated.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Benefits will include removal of
trash and the likelihood that dumping will cease once the site is being
maintained; habitat for the endangered Franklin’s ground squirrel; additional
greenspace in a community lacking open space; and a site for use in
environmental education.
Acres Impacted: 13
#86 - WHITE LAKE AREA OF CONCERN HABITAT ASSESSMENT
(FY1995 - GL985147-01-0)
Lake Michigan Federation
Contact:
Tanya Cabala
Lake Michigan Federation
Michigan Office
425 West Western Avenue, Suite 410
Muskegon, MI 49440
(616) 722-5116
Award Amount: FY1995 - $40,680
Dollars Leveraged: $9,300
Project Timetable: August 15, 1995 - September 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Callie Bolattino 312-353-3490
Project Location: The White Lake Area of Concern is located in the
northern portion of Muskegon County, Michigan. The area encompasses the cities
of Whitehall and Montague and the townships of White River, Whitehall,
Fruitland, Montague and Blue Lake (bioregional).
Great Lakes System: Open lake, coastal shore, coastal marsh, tributary
and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements: Walleye, perch, small and large mouth
bass, northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, white sucker, trout, salmon,
mallard, black duck, wood duck, blue-winged teal, common merganser, Canada
goose, tundra swan, snow goose, swamp rose mallow and fresh water mussel (“lake
floater”).
Stressors Impairing System: Toxics, alterations of nutrient inputs,
habitat destruction, development
Partners: White Lake Public Advisory Council, Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality/Department of Natural Resources, White Lake Area
Sportfishing Association, Muskegon County Natural Resource Conservation Service,
local community groups and citizens
Narrative: This project will increase public knowledge of the White
Lake area habitat through the creation of a plant and wildlife inventory,
habitat map and educational video focused on the value of local biodiversity for
fish and wildlife populations and water quality.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Plant and wildlife inventory, habitat
map, educational program including a video, pamphlets, workshops and
presentations.
Economic Impact: Contract dollars: $9,200
Acres Impacted: 2,571 acres of open lake
#87 - WHITTLESEY CREEK STABILIZATION
AND REHABILITATION DEMONSTRATION
GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM
(FY1994 - GL995427-02)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Contact:
Greg Hill
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Management
101 S. Webster Street
P.O.
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 267-9352
Award Amount: FY1994 - $40,000
Dollars Leveraged: $200,000
Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - October 30, 1996
GLNPO Project Officer:
Phil Strobel
Project Location: Bayfield County, Wisconsin (local)
Great Lakes System: Tributary and connecting channel
Globally Significant Elements/Communities: Critical spawning habitat
Stressors Imparing System: Erosion, sedimentation
Partners: Bayfield County, Ashland School District, U.S. D.A. Natural
Resource Conservation Service, local landowners
Narrative: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will
demonstrate innovative biological, ecological, and engineering concepts to
stabilize highly erosive clay stream banks in order to protect and restore fish
and plant communities in Bayfield County. The Ashland School District and the
Watershed Project Education Program will monitor the bioengineering practices
for water quality impacts.
Status: Ongoing
Environmental Results/Products: Stabilization of highly erosive
stream-bank, enhanced spawning habitat and rest areas for anadromous fish
(potentially including native coaster brook trout).
Economic Impact: Improved sport fishery
Acres Impacted: Numerous degraded streambanks within 12,000 acre
watershed.
|
