European frogbit

ALPENA — Huron Pines, Michigan State University and other partners have been working the last several years to slow the spread of European frog-bit near Alpena. It appears the effort has been futile, however, as the invasive aquatic plant has spread into Lake Huron

Michigan is one of only a few states that have had an issue with frog-bit and, despite efforts to eradicate the plant or slow the spread of it, the invasive species has spread from the Thunder Bay Watershed to other areas. It also is spreading faster.

According to Huron Pines Habitat Project Manager John Frye, it could increase more now that it has reached Lake Huron and it’s important to get in front of that possibility.

“It has made its way downstream and spreading at a fast crawl,” he said. “It is kind of the worst-case scenario because now that it is in the great lake it can move along 1,000 miles of coastline. With wind, waves and currents, it could move very fast now.”

For the last four years, Huron Pines, MSU and Loyola University, along with Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, have studied the plant and led efforts to clean it. Each summer and fall, the group hosts the Frog Bit Challenge, which recognizes individuals or teams that remove large quantities of the plant.

There will be an event at Duck Park in Alpena today and volunteers are being asked for.

Frye said past efforts involved pulling the plant out of the water by hand, bagging it and then sending it to an incinerator. He said the process isn’t working well enough and other techniques are being considered.

“We have pulled a lot out, but I don’t think it has had a huge difference, so we are looking at modifying our efforts and may use chemicals,” Frye said.

According to Frye, glyphosate likely would be the chemical that is used next spring. He said with the doses used there would be minimal impact on animals and no impact to humans.

However, “it is non-select and all of the plants would have to go,” he said.

Frye knows there likely will be some concern about the use of the chemicals, but said if another solution isn’t found and the plant continues to spread, there is no going back. The lakes and rivers, along with their ecosystems, could be permanently damaged.

“We can’t let this get out of control and stay in the Thunder Bay River,” he said. “If it reaches the shoreline, there is really no stopping it. It is better to take action now instead of before it’s too late.”

Often the plant is spread from one body of water to another via boats, kayaks and canoes. Frye said a small leaf or stem from the plant can stick to the boat and wash off in a body of water that hasn’t been contaminated by frog-bit and it will begin to spread. He recommended draining and cleaning live wells before moving from one body of water to another.

“Decontaminate your boat and equipment by washing and rinsing it down good,” he said. “Let it dry and look it over closely and remove any dry vegetation. Check the prop, oars, paddles, ropes and anchors to be sure there is nothing on them.”

He said to also remove any vegetation to from trailers and vehicles.

“A little effort and personal exam of your boating equipment can make a big difference,” Frye said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.