Michigan Sea Grant is empowering paddlers to protect the waters they love through the MI Paddle Stewards program. Now, MI Paddle Stewards participants can also earn pesticide applicator recertification credits.
Paddlers can accidentally carry aquatic invasive species from one waterbody to another on their boats, paddles, trailers, and other equipment. At the same time, paddlers are well positioned to detect and report signs of new or increasingly established invasive species along their favorite waterways.
The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training followed by optional in-person workshops. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies.
In addition to learning ways to protect Michigan’s waters, MI Paddle Stewards participants can qualify for three category 5 (Aquatics) credits toward pesticide applicator recertification. Interested participants can fill out the Qualtrics survey at the end of the online course to receive the credits. Questions? Contact Erica (Clites) Anculle at [email protected].
