Lakes
Reports from the Great Lakes Region
- Great Lakes invader
- Bird of fire
- The little warbler that could
- 'Snake man' teaches respect for unpopular creatures
- Great Lakes media 'stretched thin'
Great Lakes invader
Latest invasive species threat spurs technological barrier
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Joe Deters, a biological technician, with a bighead Asian carp. Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Service |
After years of trying to keep up with the spread of prolific invasive species throughout the Great Lakes, officials are turning up the voltage. If the giant Asian carp wants to join its non-native peers, it’s going to have to put up a fight.
Two species of Asian carp, the bighead and the silver, entered the Mississippi River basin in the 1980s after a flood destroyed domestic fish ponds where the carp were raised.
The carp, which can grow to more than 100 pounds and four feet long, quickly took hold in the wild and have moved up the Mississippi River and into the Illinois River, just miles from canals that link to Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes.
Fishermen on the Illinois River named the giant fish “flying carp,” because motorboat noise causes the fish to jump six to seven feet into the air, often directly at fishermen and in some cases causing injuries such as broken noses and concussions.
Asian carp filter feed on algae and plankton, organisms that form the foundation of the Great Lakes food chain. Without an adequate food base, the carp could eventually outcompete other bottom feeders and wreak havoc on the food system that game fish such as perch, walleye and salmon depend on.
“Once non-native species become established, it’s very difficult to eradicate them,” said Donald Garling, fisheries and wildlife professor at Michigan State University.
This harsh reality of fighting invasive species has spurred organizations like the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Commission to call for extreme measures to prevent the Asian carp from spreading.
Dan Thomas, GLSFC president, said other Great Lakes invasives such as the round goby, sea lamprey and zebra mussel have already taken a toll on sport fish populations in Lake Michigan. “The body mass is not as robust and healthy and the fish are only half of the [normal] weight.”
In response to Thomas and similar concerns voiced by politicians and freshwater biologists, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built an experimental electrical barrier in 2002 to stop the fish. A new permanent barrier was recently completed at the cost of $9 million, paid for with federal and Great Lakes states’ funds.
The electric barrier is located about 30 miles south of Lake Michigan and consists of two sets of electrodes that create a micro-pulsed field designed to repel large fish.
Chuck Shea, project manager for the Corps, said the new barricade is the best current technology available for protecting the $4.5 billion Great Lakes fishery, but it is not designed to stop smaller invasive species. In December 2004, Corps officials announced that future flooding on the Illinois waterway may create new points of access that aren’t covered by the barrier.
The Great Lakes, which form one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, serve as a second home to more than 170 invasive species—a problem which has already caused billions of dollars in economic and environmental damages in the region.
Resource
An online video shows why Asian carp have been nicknamed “flying” carp: scroll over “Dispersal Barrier” and click “Asian Carp Video” at www.seagrant.wisc.edu/ais/
Bird of fire
High-maintenance warbler sparks ecotourism in
northern Michigan
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Birders on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tour spot their first Kirtland's warbler. In 2004, nearly 1,200 people participated in organized Kirtland's warbler tours in northern Michigan. Photo by Debbie Munson |
Six pairs of feet come to an abrupt halt on the sandy trail as Chris Mensing jerks his binoculars toward the clear, high-pitched sound. We-chee che-chee-r-r-r.
The drawn out song belongs to what Mensing, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, simply calls a “KW,” and what others have affectionately nicknamed “Kirt”—Michigan’s most endangered bird, the Kirtland’s warbler.
The small blue-gray and yellow-breasted bird can be heard up to a quarter-mile away, but this time the warbler is much closer and the group of birders following Mensing are about to get their first look of the day. The singing male makes a brief appearance on the low-hanging branches of a young jack pine and then quickly retreats into denser vegetation, presumably in pursuit of his springtime mate.
Mensing continues to listen for more KWs, happy, he says, that today’s tour delivered its promised minimum sighting of North America’s rarest warbler.
For the past 30 years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service have led daily tours into Kirtland’s warbler nesting areas during a controlled viewing season from May 15 until July 4. The warbler only nests in 12 counties in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula and four in the southern Upper Peninsula—mostly on protected and heavily managed federal and state forest lands—so having a trained guide to help spot them is a near necessity.
In 2004, nearly 1,200 people from 44 states and nine countries participated in the guided tours. And according to a USFWS survey, 9 out of 10 of those participants came primarily to see the warbler—and presumably spend their travel dollars in northern Michigan.
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Kirtland's warblers rely on jack pine forests for habitat, but jack pine seeds can be spread only after the intense heat of a forest fire forces the tightly closed cone open. Forest fire suppression has limited jack pine populations and Kirtland's warbler habitat. Photo by Debbie Munson |
“We get everyone from the hardcore birders who come every year and probably know more about the Kirtland’s warbler than I do, to the people who are just along for the ride and previously knew nothing about the bird,” Mensing said. “But the tours are the most fun when people know there’s a bird and it’s endangered, but don’t know much beyond that. It’s fun to take them through the whole process, for them to learn about the maintenance that goes into keeping the population up.”
The warbler’s population woes stem from its dependence on jack pine forests for nesting and its particular fondness for trees between 5–20 years old. The young jack pines are necessary because the warbler builds its nest on the ground or in shrubs and grasses protected under the low, healthy branches of the shorter trees. Once the trees grow taller and lower branches no longer receive enough sunlight to stay green, the warbler will move on to younger stands.
The jack pine is also picky about its habitat. The tree only grows in a special type of sandy soil found in just a few areas of northern Michigan, and jack pine seeds can be spread only after the intense heat of a forest fire forces the tightly closed cone open.
Human suppression of forest fires decreased the jack pine population in Michigan and also decreased Kirtland’s warbler habitat—bringing the bird’s numbers to a low of about 200 in the early 1970s. When the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, the Kirtland’s warbler was one of the first birds added to the endangered list, a designation that set the stage for an organized USFS Kirtland’s warbler management plan—burning, planting and clear-cutting of jack pine tracts. The warbler’s specialized need for the fire-dependent jack pine has earned it another nickname among conservation circles: the bird of fire.
“Most people don’t like the idea of letting natural wild fires burn, especially after a prescribed burn in 1980 got out of control and burned down some private buildings and killed a forest ranger,” Mensing said. “But there is also backlash against clear-cutting. With the Kirtland’s warbler management, the cutting is done selectively to leave tracts of the younger trees the warbler will use for nesting, while removing the older trees on a 50-year cycle and creating the closest thing to a natural, fire-induced environment.”
The jack pine management is coupled with a closely monitored USFWS parasite reduction program aimed at the nest-hijacking brown-headed cowbird. The cowbirds lay their eggs in warbler nests and when the cowbird chicks hatch, they outcompete any young warblers for food. The trapping and removal of nearly 4,000 cowbirds each year from Kirtland’s warbler nesting areas, Mensing said, has drastically increased the number of warbler fledglings per nest with no noticeable impact on the cowbird population.
The annual Kirtland’s warbler census in 2004 estimated about 2,600 birds. USFWS officials have said the warbler could be reclassified from endangered to threatened after a population of more than 2,000 warblers is documented for five consecutive years. That change in status could happen as early as this year if the estimated population again exceeds the management target.
While the recovery of a species and its removal from the endangered list can be considered a victory, delisting the Kirtland’s warbler may spell trouble. Without the protection of the Endangered Species Act, which requires the necessary millions of dollars in annual funding for rehabilitation, the warbler’s population could decline significantly.
“The Kirtland’s warbler will always require annual intensive management,” Mensing said, echoing USFWS statements that the warbler’s population will never by truly sustainable without a management program. “The warbler’s population has rebounded to a point where the immediate threat of extinction has been removed, but constant jack pine management and cowbird control will be necessary to keep the warbler safe."
The little warbler that could
A rare bird brings environmental awareness and
controversy to Michigan
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The Kirtland's warbler is one of North America's rarest birds. Photo by Ron Austing |
The Kirtland’s warbler is often pointed to as an Endangered Species Act success story. Now that the rare bird is facing possible removal from the endangered species list, some Michigan lawmakers are hoping to bring more attention to the bird’s story and guarantee it a place in Michigan’s environmental history.
“We will be reintroducing a bill before summer 2005 asking for the Kirtland’s warbler to be named the state bird,” said Sally Durfee, legislative director for Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck).
Sen. Birkholz first introduced the bill in 2003 after a constituent lobbied her with information about the warbler for two years, but eventually pulled it from her agenda because she said there was a lack of understanding among elected officials about why the Kirtland’s warbler would make a more appropriate state bird than the current American robin.
“We have an educational campaign planned to inform the state lawmakers of the issues and we also are working with school teachers, helping them implement lessons about the Kirtland’s warbler and its success under the Endangered Species Act,” said Durfee.
The Michigan Audubon Society, which has called for the Kirtland’s warbler to represent the state since the early 1960s, began a campaign in Michigan’s elementary schools in 2003 called “Kids for Kirt,” to help raise awareness of the bird and it’s dependence on Michigan for a home.
“This is a great way to get kids interested not only in birds but to recognize that without Michigan’s unique habitat, there wouldn’t be a Kirtland’s warbler,” said Mike Boyce, a sanctuary manager for the Audobon Society. “When you start a lesson by introducing the ‘bird of fire,’ you are going to get the attention of kids who may otherwise be staring out the window.”
“Recognizing the Kirtland’s warbler is a win-win-win situation,” Boyce added. “A win for the warbler, which will need more exposure to ensure future management funding, a win for Michigan’s ecotourism economy as people continue to travel here to see the bird and a win for the school kids who will have a greater appreciation for the intricate relationships found in nature.”
But not everyone is ready to jump on the Kirtland’s warbler bandwagon. During the 2003 session, a separate bill was introduced to make the black-capped chickadee the state bird in honor of its ability to brave Michigan’s cold winters. And of course, as Durfee pointed out, there are those people who are simply attached to the American robin—which is also the state bird in Connecticut and Wisconsin.
“Our opposition right now is really just, ‘We love the robin, it’s always been the robin, why can’t it just stay the robin?”
'Snake man' teaches respect for
unpopular creatures
Interpretive naturalist instills youth with
environmental conscience
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McGrath, at home with one of his many snakes. |
High-pitched cheers erupted from the Montessori Center classroom in East Lansing, Mich. with the news that Jim McGrath would be arriving soon. McGrath is an interpretive naturalist who regularly visits schools to show and tell young audiences about the environment and dispel stereotypes about some of its more unpopular critters.
As McGrath passed a Blue Racer snake around for the children to look at up-close and touch, there were exclamations of “cool,” “sweet,” even “cute.” He corrected myths about snakes in Michigan being poisonous and biting humans.
“He has created a culture of ‘isn’t this interesting?’” said Nancy Brandon, administrator of Montessori Center. “I was petrified of snakes and when I saw a spider I felt like I had to kill it. He has such a love and knowledge that he makes it really interesting for kids.”
McGrath uses native Michigan animals to intrigue and fascinate children, with the goal of building love and respect for the environment. “Jim McGrath is awesome!” said Leila Syal, a third-grade student. “He taught me a lot in my three years here.”
Children and adults alike find McGrath’s enthusiasm and expertise infectious: he inspires interest in the natural world when so many young people are focused on digital stimuli. His business, Nature Discovery, also promotes wildlife education through summer camps, eco-tours and pond-wading excursions.
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| Jim McGrath passes a snake to children in an East Lansing, Mich. classroom. |
Through hands-on learning, McGrath said he seeks to touch something within his clients that will affect them deeply. Infusing young people with respect and interest for animals and the environment that sustains them is what McGrath said keeps him motivated. “Knowing I’m making a difference, more than I know I’m hearing about, knowing it’s there, is what helps keeping me going,” he said.
Nature Discovery, based at McGrath’s Williamston, Mich. home is a haven for native Michigan amphibians and reptiles. He has what could be called a private zoo of creepy crawlies: three types of salamanders, eight different turtles, 12 species of snakes, and practically every kind of Michigan frog and toad.
Carol McGrath, Jim’s wife, who holds a biology degree from the University of Illinois, joined Jim in working for Nature Discovery. The McGrath children—Reed, Glen, Robin and Lillian—were all named after nature. “We are really flying by the seat of our pants,” McGrath said with a smile and chuckle. “Our business has been just taking off and we have family and business mixed together.”
Both Jim and Carol are veterans in their field. Jim has a degree in wildlife biology from Michigan State University and has been an interpretive naturalist for more than 17 years. Carol is a specialist science teacher at Fairchild Elementary in Lansing, Mich. and also teaches chemistry and physical science at the Montessori Center. Together, they chose to dedicate their lives to changing people’s awareness about often ignored creatures.
Resource
Outings and presentations can be arranged with Jim McGrath through naturedisc@voyager.net or (517) 655-5349.
Great Lakes media 'stretched thin'
Veteran activist reflects on Michigan environment, journalism
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Dave Dempsey, at the "Healing Our Waters" conference on Great Lakes water policies in Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of Dave Dempsey |
In his four decades as a Michigander, Dave Dempsey became one of the state’s pre-eminent environmental activists. He has written books and legislation, provided policy advice to governors, taught students and worked night and day to preserve and protect Michigan’s natural resources.
His devotion to the Great Lakes state could only be trumped by one thing—love.
“I fell in love and the person I fell in love with can’t move,” Dempsey said from his new home in St. Paul, Minn. “But it is a good community and it is still close to the Great Lakes. It might have been a little harder if it was California.”
Dempsey, 47, recently became Great Lakes policy advisor for Clean Water Action in Minnesota where he continues his work as an environmental watchdog.
Leaving Michigan provided an opportunity to reflect on the news coverage of Michigan’s environment and challenges facing journalists.
Dempsey has an experienced perspective on the state of environmental journalism in Michigan. Journalism was an early career choice for him, writing columns for the Lansing City Pulse, and two books on Michigan environmental policy.
He said the Great Lakes media sufficiently covers the most pressing environmental issues but has a long way to go when it comes to depth and understanding of complex issues.
“The media in the Great Lakes are stretched thin,” Dempsey said. “There is not much chance to develop expertise, to probe more deeply.”
Dempsey questioned environmental reporting that gives equal time and space to viewpoints that he said may lack sufficient scientific knowledge to support their positions.
Instead of reporting environmental issues as “he said, she said” type of stories, Dempsey said journalists need to take the time and effort to find the truth.
“Reporters have an obligation to offer not just competing points but also analysis,” he said. “If you are a good environmental reporter, you have the sources in the science arena and can determine where the real problems are.”
Under-covered issues in the Great Lakes include chemical threats, he said, especially new chemicals in the water. Dempsey also said habitat issues and the problem of invasive species introduced through ship’s ballast water are not covered sufficiently.
“Nobody is looking at the big picture any more.”
Dempsey applauded the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and Director Jim Detjen for the Great Lakes Environmental Journalism Training Institute to teach journalists how to cover environmental stories.
An avid blogger, Dempsey also advises journalists to use the Internet for research and to stay connected with readers and scientists.
“We are becoming used to information being a two-way street. We want to interact with what we read and one way of doing that is through blogs,” he said.
A southeast Michigan native, Dempsey grew up “in awe of northern Michigan.” He began volunteering for the Sierra Club at 24, when he realized he wanted the environment to be more than a hobby.
With an English degree from Western Michigan University, he began working for the Michigan Environmental Council in 1982. A year later, then-governor Jim Blanchard tapped him as a policy advisor.
“It was tremendously rewarding to be working on things that made a permanent difference,” he said, noting progress on preserving old-growth forests and creating the Great Lakes Governors’ Toxic Substances Control Agreement.
For the last two decades, Dempsey has been working in resource development for Clean Water Action and the Michigan Environmental Council, and teaching as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Dempsey has a master’s degree in resource development from MSU.
In 1994, he was appointed by President Clinton to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and in 2003 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board.
Dempsey is the author of On the Brink: The Great Lakes in the 21st Century, published in 2004 by Michigan State University Press. He also wrote Ruin and Recover: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader.
Resources
The Michigan Environmental Council, where Dempsey has been a policy advisor, is a coalition of environmental organizations: mecprotects.org
Clean Water Action, where Dempsey currently is a policy advisor with the Minnesota state office, has programs in 18 states: cleanwateraction.org
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