Calling all Citizen Scientists
The River Alliance of Wisconsin will receive $5,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to coordinate volunteer monitoring for aquatic invasive species in streams across the state during a one day Aquatic Invasive Species Bridge Snapshot Day on September 10th, 2016. This event was among 23 projects selected for assistance by the 2016-17 Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program.
“We’re very excited to see the wide variety and excellent quality of the projects proposed,” said Eva Lewandowski, who coordinates the Citizen-based Monitoring Program for DNR. “The projects that are receiving awards will contribute high priority information about Wisconsin’s natural resources across the state and will help stretch state dollars further.”
Through the Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program, the DNR works with community and school groups, conservation organizations and other agencies to gather critical information on plants, animals, water and other natural resources. Projects are selected through a competitive review process with projects eligible to receive up to $5,000 in funding per year.
AIS Bridge Snapshot Day will give participants of all ages across the state the chance to learn about aquatic invasive species and to look for them on rivers in their communities. Monitoring sites will vary from public parks on large rivers to small culverts on country roads spanning small trout streams. At some sites friendly waters will allow volunteers to wade in to get a better look, while at other sites volunteers will be asked to simply look from the safety of the shore with binoculars and rakes. Whether you are comfortable wading into a river or not, there is a site for you. Families and groups are encouraged to sign up for this interactive one day event.
Click here for more information on the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network.
Registration for AIS Bridge Snapshot Day is now live and will remain open until September 3rd. To learn more information and sign up for AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2016, please visit the River Alliance of Wisconsin’s event page.