The Muskegon Lake & Estuary Emergent Vegetation Restoration Demonstration Project (Wild Rice Project)
Purpose: Re-establishment of native wild rice stands, soft stem bulrush and other aquatic vegetation for fish and wildlife habitat in the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern (AOC) and the lower river (estuary) located at the river mouth and within the Muskegon State Game Area. This demonstration project will also seek to identify and determine the most successful methods of planting this vegetation.
MRWA Role: Lead
Funder: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Duration of grant: Summer of 2002 through Summer of 2005
The Emergent Vegetation Restoration Project Committee Participants have included:
Gale
Nobes, Chair
Kathy Evans, Muskegon Conservation Dist.
Greg Mund, USDA-NRCS
Glenn Lamberg, USDA-NRCS
Nichol Stout, GVSU-AWRI
Nik Kalejs, MDNR
Roger Morgenstern, Consumers Energy
Scott Herron, FSU
Wayne Groesbeck, MI Anglers & MRWA
Gary Noble, MRWA Executive Director
Sharon Detz, Director-Native American Ministry
Liz Binonieno, Intern rep. the Little River Band Native Americans
Jack Leonhardt, West MI Walleye Club
2005
Even though the final report has been submitted, this project has not been completed yet. A project evaluation will take place annually to determine success and adjustments needed in methods, seed rates, etc. The project will be promoted by the MRWA and Muskegon Lake PAC to encourage similar projects throughout the Muskegon River and Lake Michigan Watersheds.
2006
The MRWA Executive Board approved $1,000 annually for the next three years to continue the planting of wild rice seed in Muskegon Lake. Gale Nobes and Greg Mund planted over 120 pounds of seed at Grand Trunk in October.
2007
In October 2007, volunteers planted 175 pounds of wild rice seed in Muskegon Lake.
Planting of wild rice seed has been suspended because of the wildlife in the lake consuming the rice before it has a chance to mature. Future research needs to be accomplished about methods to protect the rice until it is sustainable.