The Cisco Chain Riparian Owners Association immediately began treating Clearwater Lake with the herbicide 2,4-D. This herbicide received clearance in the 1950’s for continued use in water by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately, in successive years, Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered in three more Township lakes.

In 2005, the Township received its first grant from the US Fish & Wildlife Foundation, which was to be used for education, lake surveys and control efforts related to aquatic nuisance species. A steering committee, called the Watersmeet Aquatic Nuisance Species Coalition, was formed to administer the funds. Employees were hired to monitor boat landings and distribute pamphlets to educate the public. In addition, several lakes in the Township received much needed funding to help pay for the chemical treatments necessary to control infestations of Eurasian watermilfoil.

In 2007, the Watersmeet Aquatic Nuisance Species Coalition was reorganized into a new 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization called the Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet (ISCCW). The new organization enabled the Township to expand their efforts and utilize more resources.

The organization had many successes in 2007. For the third consecutive year, Watersmeet Township was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Watersmeet Township Board approved $8,000 to help with the required match to this grant. In addition, the Board received $10,000 of 2% money from the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Tribal Indians. A township-wide mailing was completed which eventually brought in 200 members and $20,000 in donations. Scores of local volunteers donated hundreds of hours and the U.S. Forest Service provided a number of in-kind services. Educators were hired to facilitate Michigan’s Clean Boats Clean Waters program. Several area lake associations were provided with up to a 50% match of their expenses for chemical control treatments on infested lakes.

In 2008, we were informed that two of our grant requests were approved. We received $4,000 from the BoatUS Foundation Clean Water Grant and $40,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Grant. In addition, we were granted $20,000 from Watersmeet Township to further aid us as we continued our work to save our waterways from the threat of invasive species. With the help of grant monies, we were able to take possession of our first portable boat washing rig. It was placed at key locations within the Township and used to demonstrate the importance of properly cleaning boats prior to transporting them from one body of water to another. To encourage an alternative approach, we provided 30% of the funding needed to plant Eurasian watermilfoil eating weevils into one infested lake.

We continue to work with the Western Upper Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Area (WUPCWMA), the US Forest Service, the Army Corp of Engineers, the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, area Lake Associations and surrounding communities. Through our Township officials we are making the Michigan Township Association more aware of the seriousness of the threat of invasive species. The ISCCW firmly believes that education, lake surveys and control measures for infested areas offer the best solution to protect the Township against invasive species.

We believe in Watersmeet – we hope you do too.