MDNR Fisheries Biologist Tim Cwalinski examines the endangered Hungerford's crawling water beetle. At 4 mm. in length it is sometimes hard to spot. Photo credit: Heather Rawlings, 7/9/2008

A workshop for natural resource professionals from both the State of Michigan and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was held July 9, 2008 at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) in Pellston, Mich. to learn capture techniques, field identification, and preferred habitat of the federally endangered Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (HCWB).  Workshop attendees surveyed sites in both the Maple and Carp Lake Rivers, and over 20 HCWB’s were captured and released.  Bob Vande Kopple from the UMBS led the workshop.  Biologists Tim Cwalinski (MDNR), Scott Rasmussen and Roxanne Merrick (MDEQ), Barbara Hosler (USFWS East Lansing Field Office), Jim Hudgins (USFWS East Lansing Private Lands Office), and Andrea Ania and Heather Rawlings (USFWS Alpena NFWCO) attended the workshop. 

The workshop focused on potential impacts of habitat restoration projects in the vicinity of HCWB habitat.  Restoration projects such as culvert replacement to open fish passage, large woody debris placement to improve fish habitat, and stream bank stabilization to reduce sedimentation into a stream all may impact the HCWB during its various life stages, and care needs to be taken when working near known populations of this beetle.  Unfortunately little is known about the biology and distribution of this small riffle beetle, so permitting agencies such as MDEQ and the East Lansing Field Office must take a conservative approach to protect the HCWB when habitat restoration projects are proposed.  This workshop helped all of the biologists in attendance gain a better understanding of the HCWB, and added to the number of people that are now trained to survey for and identify the HCWB.