Funding Cuts Impacting Michigan’s Invasive Species Control

While opinions vary about the latest rounds of budget and federal job cuts, one thing you can count on is Michigan's invasive species taking advantage of the situation. WILX's Eisele Hirschel first pointed out that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been behind many of our states' efforts to eliminate some of the 180 non-native species that negatively impact our ecosystem.

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Thanks to federal budget freezes, the organization is left fighting with hopes and prayers instead of funding.

Invasive Species 101: The Homewreckers of Michigan's Ecosystem

If this is your first time hearing about 'invasive species,' here's the 10-cent tour: Michigan's invasive species are like uninvited, unwanted houseguests that refuse to leave and trash your house. Most non-native Michigan pests squeeze out native species by eating their food (or them) and taking over their environment.

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This competition disrupts habitats and can make life in Michigan's forests and waterways a nightmare. Experts like Joanne Foreman from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who spoke with WILX, say that invasive species will make some ecosystems unusable without control, which is currently funded by the federal government.

What Happens If Funds Remain Frozen?

According to Upper Peninsulas TV6, organizations like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that depend on federal funds continue to be frozen out. As a result, expect to see a lot more non-native species like Sea Lamprey, Zebra, and Quagga Mussels. If left unchecked, these three uninvited guests will have an all-you-can-eat buffet at the expense of our Great Lakes and fisheries.

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We can either fight back with real funding or start rolling out the carpet for sea lampreys, zebra mussels, and spotted lanternflies, just to name a few.