The University of Wisconsin coordinates the
Environmental Restoration
Theme for the Great Lakes Regional Water Program.
FEATURED INITIATIVES
multi-state support for wild rice in the upper great lakes region
The Great Lakes Regional Water Program, in partnership with Ferris State University in Michigan and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, led a diverse coalition that convened the Wild Rice Restoration and Preservation Conference in August, 2006. The project continues to grow partnerships between the 1862 and 1994 Land Grants, and has contributed to increased dialogue between the University of Minnesota and tribal communities concerned about wild rice genomic research.Read more about protecting wild rice inthe Upper Great Lakes Region.
expanding the national estuarine research reserve program
in the great lakes region
The Great Lakes Regional Water Program, through University of Wisconsin-Extension staff affiliated with the Environmental Restoration Theme, has partnered with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to co-lead an effort to designate a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) site on Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shoreline. In 2007, a site selection process and feasibility study for a Lake Superior NERR site was conducted. Read more about NERR and the effort to protect freshwater estuaries in the Great Lakes Region.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
Water research and outreach that begin in a single state are often the foundation for collaborative, multi-state programs and projects. The following are just a few single-state initiatives that contribute to the Environmental Restoration Theme. If you are interested in collaborating on a related program, please contact Patrick Robinson or Robin Shepard (see contact info at left).
minnesota's shoreland management education program
The program provides shoreland property owners, the landscape and nursery industry, natural resource professionals, realtors, developers and local government agencies with workshops, hands-on field experience, educational materials, and research and demonstration sites to help them restore and maintain shoreland ecosystems. Read more about this project
drainage ditch management for environmental quality
An interdisciplinary team has been assembled to initiate a research and education program in drainage ditch maintenance with emphasis on the balance between ecosystem protection and restoration and necessary water conveyance. University of Illinois faculty from Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Geography are working together with drainage district commissioners, land improvement contractors, and landowners to develop demonstration opportunities.
shoreline restoration
Michigan's Shoreline Restoration project to help shoreline property owners protect water quality and improve wildlife habitat through alternative shoreline management was completed this fiscal year. Highlights of the three-year project include the installation of a variety of soil-bioengineered erosion control structures; the design and installation of four 100-foot alternative landscapes (lakescapes). Read more about this project.
great lakes freshwater estuary needs assessment
The University of Wisconsin-Extension, with funding assistance from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, is conducting a Great Lakes freshwater estuary needs assessment for Wisconsin. This project brings together resource experts, community leaders, and knowledgeable citizens for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing Wisconsin’s Great Lakes freshwater estuary needs. Read more about this project....
|
