Michigan DNR Early Detection and Response
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STATE OF MICHIGAN MDNR Early Detection and Response Program Environmental Assessment of treatment methods for controlling aquatic invasive species Kirsten E. Johnson (DNR) 02/03/2015 A summary of potential impacts of response and control options associated with treatment of high priority aquatic invasive species across the state of Michigan through the MDNR Wildlife Division Early Detection and Response Program. Table of Contents I. Authority and Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 2 II. General Plant Information ........................................................................................................................ 2 A. European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) ................................................................................ 2 B. European water-clover (Marsilea quadrifolia L.) .............................................................................. 3 C. Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) .............................................................................................. 3 D. Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) ....................................................................................... 4 E. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) .............................................................................................. 5 F. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) ....................................................................................................... 5 G. Additional Plants of Concern ............................................................................................................ 6 III. Preferred Alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 6 A. Area of Control .................................................................................................................................. 6 B. Treatment Methods .......................................................................................................................... 7 IV. Alternative Actions .................................................................................................................................. 8 A. Biological control .............................................................................................................................. 8 C. Hydrologic manipulation ................................................................................................................... 9 D. No Action .......................................................................................................................................... 9 V. Federally-listed Threatened, Endangered, Proposed and Candidate Species ........................................ 10 VI. Environmental Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 10 A. Chelated Copper (Cutrine Ultra) ..................................................................................................... 10 B. Diquat (Reward) .............................................................................................................................. 11 C. Endothall (Hydrothol 191, Aquathol K) ........................................................................................... 12 D. Fluridone (Sonar One) ..................................................................................................................... 12 E. Flumioxazin (Clipper) ...................................................................................................................... 13 F. Glyphosate (Aquaneat, Rodeo) ....................................................................................................... 14 G. Imazamox (Clearcast) ...................................................................................................................... 14 H. Imazapyr (Habitat) .......................................................................................................................... 15 I. Triclopyr (Renovate 3, Navitrol) ...................................................................................................... 15 J. 2,4-D (Navigate) .............................................................................................................................. 16 VII. References ............................................................................................................................................ 16 1 I. Authority and Purpose The purpose of this document is to evaluate and summarize potential environmental impacts of proposed management activities in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division Early Detection and Response Program. In 2010, the DNR and Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) were granted $1,028,548.00 from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement an Early Detection and Response (EDR) program with the goal of detecting and eradicating high-threat aquatic invasive species in the state of Michigan. In 2013, additional funding was awarded through the US Fish and Wildlife Service for continued administration of the EDR program. Overall, the project aims to use the best known methods to detect, eradicate and control several high-priority aquatic invasive species that impact the health of the Great Lakes. This grant project supports the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, pursuant to Public Law 111-88 and will help direct future resources for invasive species control to the most cost-effective, strategic and highest threat locations. II. General Plant Information A. European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) Description: European frog-bit (EFB) is a free-floating, semi-emergent aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. European frog-bit is commonly found in slow moving waters including rivers, streams, ditches and inland ponds. The mode of transportation is unclear, however most likely occurs through overland transport and the manipulation of water levels from the Great Lakes to inland water bodies. Identification and Reproduction: EFB is similar in appearance to water lilies, with quarter-sized, oval or heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are free-floating with several expansive roots attached and may rest near the water surface or emerge slightly above. EFB is free floating, and often grows in high densities. The roots of leaves become tangled underwater and form dense mats of vegetation. EFB is dioecious, with male and female parts located on different plants. Female EFB flowers are small, three-petaled and white with a bright yellow center. The main mode of reproduction is through vegetative means, as EFB is not known to produce seed. The roots produce stolons and buds called turions that fall off during winter and remain in dormancy until the following spring when they begin to grow. One plant can produce up to 100 turions. Distribution and Range: The plant was introduced to Canada in the early 1930’s for experimental farming as an ornamental species. By the mid 1980’s EFB was confirmed throughout Southern Ontario and has since spread throughout the great Lakes basin to New York, Vermont, Washington and Michigan. In Michigan, EFB has been confirmed in locations throughout the Lower Peninsula and in isolated locations of the Upper Peninsula. The largest and most recent infestations include 2 the northern-most confirmed location, Thunder Bay in Alpena County, and in Chippewa County. There are additional sites located throughout the Saginaw Bay region and Southeast Michigan. Impacts: EFB spreads rapidly in aquatic environments, including sensitive inland and coastal wetland areas that provide critical habitat for waterfowl and rare bird species. The formation of thick vegetative mats fills the water column and limits light availability for submerged native plant species. These mats can inhibit movement of waterfowl, fish and boats as well as limit recreational opportunities such as fishing and swimming. Additionally, as large colonies die, oxidation of detritus reduces overall dissolved oxygen which can have negative impacts on fish and other aquatic species. B. European water-clover (Marsilea quadrifolia L.) Description: European water-clover (EWC) is a rooted, aquatic fern native to Europe. Commonly found in slow-moving waters including ditches, rivers and lakes. The plant is likely spread through overland transport and intentional or unintentional dumping. Identification and Reproduction: EWC are four-petaled semi-emergent plants with leaves resembling 4-leaf clovers. The leaves are attached to long, rooted stolons. The leaves may float on or near the water surface or may emerge above the surface. EWC produces no flowers or seeds, rather reproduces rhizomally by sprouting new growth from the sprawling rhizome or through nodules called sporocarps that are dispersed by waterfowl and aquatic species (Johnson 1986). Distribution and Range: The plant was first observed in Connecticut in 1860. The plant has since spread to 22 states, likely via the plant and aquarium trade. Numerous populations have established throughout the Northeastern United States, with isolated observations occurring as far west as Kansas. In Michigan, isolated occurrences have been confirmed in Southeast Michigan. Impacts: EWC spreads rapidly, forming dense mats that