River Volunteers Needed to Detect Invasives in Northwestern Wisconsin-- Training Offered July 18

New Zealand Mud Snails have been detected in the Superior Duluth Harbor. NZMS have invaded western trout streams where they form mats on stream bed destroying habitat for fish and invertebrates.

The River Alliance of Wisconsin has launched Project RED (riverine early detectors), a new citizen monitoring program that trains river enthusiasts (paddlers, fishermen, WAV monitors, etc.) to identify and report 15 invasive species within river corridors statewide. During a free training hosted by the Bad River Watershed Association, the Friends of the White River, and Trout Unlimited Wild Rivers Chapter, the River Alliance will teach you to monitor your river by canoe, kayak, or on foot for 15 species of concern.

The Alliance will help you choose locations and a monitoring schedule that are convenient to you and your volunteers. The Alliance will also provide you with online data management tools available through www.citsci.org that help you report and map your findings. Detect It, Report It, and Fight It! Project RED provides you with the necessary tools to be a Riverine Early Detector. The protocols are easy and fun. Use this activity to become more familiar with your river or stream and to engage your friends and neighbors!

Project RED training is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 from 9:00-1:00pm at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center 2 miles east of Ashland off of Hwy 2. To reserve your space, please call Sarah Traaholt at 715-685-2672 or email sarah.traaholt@ces.uwex.edu.

See the River Alliance to learn more about invasive species in our river corridors and how you can help in the fight against invasives.