Michigan Wildlife Conservancy

3/7/2008
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN WETLAND FORUMS ANNOUNCED

Many property owners support long-term wetland conservation, but are unaware of the tools now available to protect valuable marshes and swamps or to put water back in drained basins. To address this need, the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy will present a series of wetland conservation forums this spring at five locations in Northwest Michigan.

Workshop topics will includeÑ

The history of wetland loss and degradation in Michigan

Wetlands values and functionality (not all wetlands were created equal)

Water control in drainage systems

Wetland enhancement opportunities during drain construction or clean-outs

Wetland conservation within Farm Bill programs

Establishment of special microhabitats in existing or restored wetlands

Federal, state and private-sector programs that provide technical assistance and incentives to landowners

Cooperative habitat restorations involving landowners, conservation groups, drain commissioners and other agencies

These forums will focus on options for voluntary wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement in a variety of settings. Audio-visual presentation will highlight cost-effective work that can be done on suburban as well as rural lands.

Although the workshops are aimed at private landowners or those who work professionally with them, anyone wishing to obtain a good understanding of the values of wetlands is welcome. Attendees will have ample opportunity to ask questions.

For more information, contact Dr. Patrick J. Rusz, Director of Wildlife Programs at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, P.O. Box 393, Bath, MI 48808, or call 517-641-7677, or email: wildlife@miwildlife.org.)

Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Traverse Area District Library, 310 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station, 6686 South Center Hwy, County Rd 633, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Thursday, May 1, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Benzie Community Resource Center, 6051 Frankfort Highway, Benzonia, MI 49616.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center ÒStone House,Ó 419 South Coral Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Bellaire Senior Center, 308 East Cayuga (M-88), Bellaire, MI 49615.

There is no pre-registration or cost to attend any of the five forums. Financial support for the events will be provided by the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, and the Grand Traverse Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited. Many local partners are also co-sponsoring the forums including: the Grand Traverse Conservation District, the Conservation Resource Alliance, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Leelanau County Conservation District, Leelanau Conservancy, Benzie County Conservation District, Benzie Fishery Coalition, Kalkaska County Conservation District, Antrim County Conservation District, and the Grass River Natural Area.