Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal August 16th, 2012 Brian T.

Pawlak Director NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation 1315 East-West Highway SSMC3, 14th Floor F/HC Silver Spring, MD 20910 Dear Mr. Pawlak, On behalf of the Executive Committee and staff, Michigan Trout Unlimited is pleased to submit this proposal to NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation to respectfully request your consideration of a grant $10,000 to support our innovative project to help protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp.With over 50 years of experience, Michigan TU is one of the nations premier conservation groups for coldwater fish and their environments. Your gift will enable us to protect the nations largest source of freshwater and ensure their continued health and success. Michigan TU is a conservation organization whose mission is to conserve, protect and restore Michigans watersheds which support wild trout and salmon. Michigan TU serves as a coordination and communication link between the 20 individual Trout Unlimited chapters in Michigan and the nation TU organization.Michigan is blessed with over 11,000 inland lakes and the largest sources of freshwater in North America, the Great Lakes. Michigan TU does whatever it takes to advocate for the prudent management of these resources, including on-theground improvements, angler & steward education, research, partnerships and collaboration with other conservation groups and governmental agencies, and policy development. Michigan is the birthplace of Trout Unlimited and TU remains dedicated to preserving Michigans most valuable natural resources. Threatening these resources are the invasive Asian carp. Asian carp are eating machines that will not only make it difficult for native species to find food, but they also will eat the vegetation used by native species for spawning and nursery areas. Since their introduction into the Mississippi River Basin, Asian carp have swept up the river and now threaten to enter the Great Lakes. This would have serious environmental, economic and social impacts on Michigan and must not be allowed to happen. Michigan TU stands ready to help do our part to stop this catastrophe from occurring. We share your vision of a healthy and sustainable habitat that provides a range of benefits for abundant fish and wildlife, as well as commercial and recreational opportunities. And With your help, Michigan TU is prepared to ensure that the Great Lakes are preserved for both us and future generations. Sincerely, Dr. Brian Burroughs Executive Director

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal

Executive Summary Michigan Trout Unlimited is respectfully requesting $10,000 from NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation to support our innovative project to help protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp.With over 50 years of experience, Michigan TU is one of the nations premier conservation groups for coldwater fish and their environments. Your gift will enable us to protect the nations largest source of freshwater and ensure their continued health and success. The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet and many of the surrounding communities depend on natural resources.The introduction of Asian carp to the Great Lakes would immediately threaten the health of the ecosystem. As large populations of Asian carp become established cumulative effects begin to take hold. These effects include increased risk to human safety, reductions of native plants that provide spawning and nursery areas for fishes, reduced food for native fishes and waterfowl and massive losses for regional economies that rely on fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting. Systems are in place to stop the Asian carp from spreading to the Great Lakes, but these methods arent 100% effective. While this wouldnt normally be a problem, Asian carp only require a small number of adults to establish successful populations in a waterway. So even though the amount of carp getting pass the system is minimal, the risk of them successful expanding to the Great Lakes is still high. To combat this Michigan TU wants to launch and in-stream project in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron , Lake Erie and their connecting waterways by local TU chapters. The purpose of this project is to access the current presence of Asian carp in the Great Lakes and produce a database to allow the continued tracking of the fish. NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation gift of $10,000 will be used to purchase the supplies needed for the water sampling: HOBO pro v2 temp. loggers, Marine Handles and Polythene Standard Containers. The gift will also fund the webspace to host the database online and a consultant from Paladin Consultants LLC to create and program the database to ensure that it is a multi-functional analytical tool for monitoring Asian carp populations. The rest of the supplies needed and the labor for the project will be provided by in-kind donations from Michigan Trout Unlimited and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Established in 1959, Michigan Trout Unlimited has over 50 years of experience; including onthe-ground improvements, angler & steward education, research, partnerships and collaboration with other conservation groups and governmental agencies, and policy development.. Michigan TU is the coordination and representation for 20 local chapters of Trout Unlimited and over 7,000 individuals. The Great Lakes are a crucial resource that almost all our chapters rely heavily upon. Now Michigans most valuable resources are threatened and Michigan TU is devoted to ensuring the Great Lakes' continued health, for both ourselves and our future generations. NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation has a long history of protecting, preserving and improving fish and wildlife habitats to ensure that we, and future generations, can enjoy

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal the benefits of sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries. Michigan TU shares that vision and is dedicated to ensuring the Great Lakes remain healthy and sustainable habitats that provides a range of benefits for abundant fish and wildlife, as well as commercial and recreational opportunities. Your gift of $10,000 will have a tremendous impact on our fight to ensure that future generations can enjoy the Great Lakes. Needs Statement A 2011 study by Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans projects that bighead carp (one of the invasive Asian carp species) could spread to Lake Michigan, Huron and Erie within the next 20 years. The report also estimated that it would take less than 10 adult females and 10 adult males to establish a population within the Great Lakes. In July of 2012, 6 samples taken from Lake Erie by the Michigan and Ohio DNR tested positive for the DNA presence of Asian carp. These aren't the first traces of Asian carp in the Great Lakes, and they will not be the last. The introduction of Asian carp to the Great Lakes would immediately threaten the health of the ecosystem. As large populations of Asian carp become established cumulative effects begin to take hold. These effects include increased risk to human safety, reductions of native plants that provide spawning and nursery areas for fishes, reduced food for native fishes and waterfowl and massive losses for regional economies that rely on fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting. The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet and many of the surrounding communities depend on natural resources. In 2011, Great Lakes sport and commercial fisheries are valued at $4.5 billion annually. That value was calculated without including the indirect economic impact of those industries. And when added to the lost revenue from hunting, a sport that currently brings in $2.6 billion annually, the economic impact of Asian carp would be debilitating on the communities that depend on the Great Lakes. Michigan Trout Unlimited is the coordination and representation for 20 local chapters of Trout Unlimited and over 7,000 individuals, devoted to the conservation, protection and restoration of Michigan's coldwater fish and their watersheds. Michigan TU does whatever it takes to advocate for the prudent management of these resources. The Great Lakes are one of the these resources and many of Michigan's TU Chapters depend on them economically. Michigan TU has a long history of freshwater conservation and a vested interest in the continued health of the Great Lakes. Trout Unlimited is a national organization, but was founded here in Michigan and is very proud of its heritage. Now Michigan most valuable resource is threatened and Michigan TU is devoted to ensuring the Great Lakes' continued health, for both ourselves and future generations. Since the Lacey Act passed by Congress in July of 2007, Asian carp have been officially declared invasive species. Steps to keep them out of the Great Lakes were accelerated when in July of 2012 Congress passed the Stop Invasive Species Act. The U.S. Corps of Engineers installed electric fish barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canals, the main route between the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes. While the results from the barriers are promising the devices arent 100% effective and there are 18 currently unprotected routes from the Mississippi River Basin to the Great Lakes stretching from Minnesota to New York. Our project is meant to complement this effort by identifying the level of Asian carp DNA in these waterways. Once collected this data will serve as an indispensable tool for identifying which areas are most at risk.

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal

Objectives Goal The primary goal of this project is to create an online database and system for the storage and analysis of sampling results from tests for Asian carp DNA in the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. Objectives Objective #1 Purchase hosting space with the ability to support a database by January 2013. Objective #2 Begin developing the training program for the MI TU volunteers (Kristen Nelson, Brian Burroughs and George Madison). Designing the training program to be completed by February of 2013. Objective #3 Create the database and have it fully operational by February of 2013. Objective #4 Training program for volunteers to start at Copper County Trout Unlimited chapter by March of 2013. Objective #5 Develop standardized submission forms for the test results from water sampling by March of 2013. Objective #6 Reach out to the Michigan and Ohio DNR and acquire their water sample results from the past 20 years, specifically the results pertaining to the presence of Asian carp DNA in the Great Lakes and connecting waterways by April of 2013. Objective #7 Enter the data from objective #4 into the database by May 2013. Objective #8 Training program to be completed for all 9 participating chapters by May 2013. Objective #9 Begin sampling of the Great Lakes and/or connecting waterways for Asian carp DNA by Copper Country, Fred Waara, Two Heart, Miller-Van Winkle, Headwater, Adams Schrems West Michigan, Clinton Valley and Arnold J. Copeland Michigan TU chapters by June 2013. Sampling to be completed by August 2013.

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal

Objective #10 Enter the Michigan TU chapters sampling results into the database by September of 2013. Objective #11 Acquire and enter 2013s water sampling results from the Michigan and Ohio DNR to the database by October 2013. Objective #12 Develop multiple views of the data entered in the database that allow Michigan TU, Michigan DNR and Ohio DNR to compare/view the water sampling results and chart the changes in the presence of Asian carp on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways by December of 2013. Project Description Protecting, conserving and restoring Michigans coldwater fisheries and their watersheds is the mission of Michigan Trout Unlimited. With over 20 local chapters and 7,000 individuals Michigan TU does whatever it takes to ensure the continued health of Michigans waterways. In the past Michigan TU has done a wide variety of work, but in this proposal the method being outlined is research. The target of this research are Asian carp, which is a blanket term that is used to represent the four invasive species of carp: grass, black, bighead and silver carp. Asian carp were first imported to the Southern United States in the 1970s to help keep ponds and other aquacultural waterways clear of unwanted vegetation. Since then they have established healthy populations in the Mississippi River Basin and have spread as far north as Illinois. Many young carp have been found in the Great Lakes, but as of yet no reproducing population has been established. Even though none of the four species have established populations in the Great Lakes it is still very important to monitor their population in surrounding waterways and the lakes themselves. Asian carp may have been in the United States since the 1970s, but they didnt start migrating up the Mississippi River Basin until the late 90s. This is alarming because all four species were have been successful in establishing populations as far north as Illinois in under 20 years. According to a 2011 report by Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans it would only take 10 adult male and 10 adult female bighead carp to establish a population within Lake Erie. Many steps have been taken to try and stop the spread of Asian carp to the Great Lakes, but these methods do not have a 100% success rate. To more effectively combat the spread of these invasive species it is necessary to track the populations of the fish and have a system in place to document the changes in said populations over the years. This project is designed to do just that. The first objective is to create an online database to both store all relevant data about the Asian carp species and create multiple views for analysing the data. The database will be operational before sampling begins in June of 2013. All the sampling data will be entered into the database by October of 2013. Then in December 2013, construction of the views to analysis the data will begin. The second objective is to collect data about Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes and connecting waterways in 2013. Michigan TU will be the main caretakers of the project (especially Copper Country, Fred Waara, Two Heart,

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal Miller-Van Winkle, Headwater, Adams Schrems West Michigan, Clinton Valley and Arnold J. Copeland Michigan TU chapters) but the project will also be managed with the help of the Michigan and Ohio DNR. Sampling will occur between June and September of 2013. Evaluation To measure the success of the program, Michigan TU will carefully monitor the water sampling results and their entry into the database. Volunteers will be instructed on the proper methods for taking water samples and the samples will be turned over to the Michigan DNR to ensure they are properly tested. Data entry will be completed by a trained, full time staff member to ensure it is correctly and accurately added to the database. Michigan TU will also track the chain of custody for the water samples to ensure authenticity. Every sample collected will be labeled with the time it was collected, the date it was collected, the place it was collected (both the name of the waterway and the gps coordinates) and the name of the individual who collected it. Before water samples are given to the Michigan DNR for testing, the Project Coordinator Kristen Nelson will sign off on the time, date, place and the name of the person and send this information to Bryan Buroughs the Executive Director of Michigan TU. Along with the test results, the Michigan DNR will pass along the date and time the samples were received and the date and time the testing took place. While this may seem to be excessive, it is a necessary step to ensure that the database can be used as a accurate tool for monitoring and projecting the changes in Asian carp populations. It is impossible to quantify the impact of our work on each individual fish detected because the water sampling just tests for the presence of eDNA of Asian carp . This data gathering method doesnt allow for the tracking of individual fish, but rather the presence of the fish invasive species. While it may be concerning that this testing method measures the presence of fish instead of each individual fish, it is the more practical option. The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water source in North America and locating each individual fish from each of the four Asian carp species in them is impossible. Testing for eDNA in water is the best method for monitoring and projecting the populations of these invasive species. By ensuring the quality of the samples, using the above procedures, the impact of eDNA testing results is greatly increased. The procedures are designed to make sure that the data collected is as accurate as possible. Having accurate data leads to accurate conclusions about Asian carp population changes and will help us better understand the threat Asian carp present to the Great Lakes. Budget FUNDS TOTAL REQUIRED BUDGET Personnel

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal

MI TU Project Coordinator MI TU Executive Director (~$33/hour, 350 hours)

$4,500.00 $11,500.00 (MI TU Inkind)

$4,500.00 $11,500.00

$16,000.00 MI TU Volunteer Labor ($19.51/hr) Overall volunteer training (45 volunteers, 4 hours each) $3,511.80 (MI TU Inkind) $3,511,80 (MI TU Inkind) $1,755.90 (MI TU Inkind) $1,755.90 (MI TU Inkind) $1,404.72 (MI TU $3,511.80

Water sample collection (18 volunteers, 10 hours each)

$3,511.80

Temperature data collection (9 volunteers, 10 hours each)

$1,755.90

Location mapping (9 volunteers, 10 hours each)

$1,755.90

Data entry (9 volunteers, 8 hours each)

$1,404.72

$11,940.12 MDNR Volunteer Labor Data collection protocol design, training and water sample testing (~$35/hr average, 9 MDNR personnel, 180 total hours) $6,300.00 (MDNR Inkind) $6,300.00

$6,300.00 Travel Travel for MI TU staff (0.585/mile) $0.00

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal

Presentations and trainings (7000 miles)

$4,095.00 (MI TU Inkind) $2,047.50 (MI TU Inkind) $526.50 (MI TU In-kind) $1,053.00 (MI TU Inkind)

$4,095.00

Data collection and site visits (3500 miles)

$2,047.50

Meetings with MDNR personnel (900 miles)

$526.50

Volunteer Travel ($0.585/mile, ~45 volunteers, ~40 miles each)

$1,053.00

$7,722.00 Equipment Database hosting space ($4.95 * 36 months) HOBO pro v2 temp. loggers ($106 * 9 units) Marine Handle ($60 * 9 units) Polythene Standard Containers ($3 * 90 units) $178.20 $954.00 $540.00 $270.00 $178.20 $954.00 $540.00 $270.00 $1,942.20 Consultant Paladin Consultants LLC ($40/hr * 80 hours) $3,200.00 $3,200.00 $3,200.00 Total Personnel MI TU Project CoordinatorThe project coordinator will be Kristen Nelson of Huron Pines AmeriCorps. Kristen has worked with MI TU on multiple other projects and does a superb job of organizing, training and troubleshooting. Ms. Nelson will directly supervise the 9 MI TU chapters that will be conducting the water sampling. For recent projects of a similar scale Ms. Nelson was paid $4,500, which is $9,643.20 $37,461.12 $47,104.32

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal the amount we are offering to pay this time. MI TU Executive DirectorDr. Bryan Burroughs is the current Executive Director of MI TU and will assist Kristen with the development and implementation of the volunteer data collection program. Dr. Burroughs will also oversee the exchange of water samples between the MI TU chapters and the MDNR. Dr. Burroughs makes about $33 and hour, and is expected to contribute 350 hours to this project. $33 * 350 hours = $11,500.00 MI TU Volunteer Labor Volunteer TrainingIs the 4 hours of training provided to the 45 volunteers that will go and collect the water samples. Developed by Kristen Nelson, Bryan Burroughs and George Madison of the MDNR. The value of the time spent training the volunteers is $19.51/hr as estimated from the current year's projections as determined by the Independent Sector. 45 * 4 = 180 * 19.51 = $3,511.80 Volunteer Labor45 volunteers working approximately 432 hours. The program will be testing in 9 locations and will be completed by 9 teams of 5 people. Each team will consist of two volunteers trained to take the water samples, one volunteer will record the water temperature, one volunteer will record the location of the sample and the final team member will enter the collected data into the online database. The dollar value of the volunteer labor time is derived from the current year's projections as determined by the Independent Sector. $19.51 * 432 hours = $8,428.32 MDNR Volunteer Labor Data collection protocol design, training and water sample testingA collaboration of 9 MDNR agents (including George Madison) will assist in the design of the program, the training of volunteers and the testing of the collected water samples.The estimated total of combined hours worked by the MDNR agents is 180. The $35 value of their labor was developed from past projects with the MDNR and the agents current hourly wages. $35 * 180 hours = $6,300.00 Travel $.585/mileMI TU currently reimburses $.585 per mile. $.585 is about 16% of the national average cost per gallon in the United States. Presentation and TrainingIn order for the program to be a success, 9 four hour long training secession must be completed. These secessions will occur in each of the hometowns of the selected MI TU chapters. As a result, MI TU will provided the funds to reimburse about 7000 miles worth of gas has been taken into account. 7000 * $.585 = $4,095

Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal Data Collection and Site VisitsKristen Nelson will have to visit each sampling site to sign off on the samples before they are given to the MDNR. This section takes in account the mileage she will accumulate while traveling to each site. MI TU is prepared to reimburse Ms. Nelson for 3, 500 miles. 3,500 * $.585 = $2,047.50 Meetings with MDNRBoth Kristen Nelson and Dr. Bryan Burroughs will have to meet with George Madison and the other MDNR agents to discuss the program design, training and the sample testing. MI TU is prepared to reimburse up to 900 miles. 900 * $.585 = $526.50 Volunteer TravelAs the sampling will be completed by local volunteers, MI TU is prepared to reimburse 40 miles for each of the 45 volunteers. 40 * $.585 = 23.4 * 45= $1,053.00 Equipment Database Hosting Space$178.20 is the cost of purchasing database hosting space through HostMonster.com. $4.95 per month for 36 months, which results in a $178.20 upfront, one time payment. HOBO pro v2 temp. loggersEach HOBO pro v2 temp logger costs $106 dollars and each of the 9 sample locations needs one so that the temperature of the water at the time of sampling can be properly documented by the trained volunteer. $106 * 9 = $954.00 Marine HandlesA Marine Handle is needed for each location as well. The Marine Handle is a fiberglass, non-corrosive pole that allows the volunteers to safely collect water samples from otherwise dangerous areas. Each Handle costs $60 and there are 9 teams, so the total cost will be $540.00. Polythene Standard Containers10 160mm water samples will be taken from each location. To store/collect the samples safely and to ensure they aren't contaminated during transport 90 polythene containers are needed. Each container costs $3. The total cost of the containers is $270.00 (90 *$3). Consultant Paladin Consultants LLCPaladin Consultants LLC are experts in database design and database programming. By hiring the services of the company the database is ensured to be functional and have multiple forms and queries to effectively navigate and analyze the collected data. The consultant will also add the collected data into the database and help train a MI TU staff member in the process. Paladin Consultants charge $40/hour and we anticipate about 80 hours of work being put into the database itself. $40 * 80 = $3,200.

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Michigan Trout Unlimited Proposal Organization Background Michigan TU is a conservation organization whose mission is to conserve, protect and restore Michigans watersheds which support wild trout and salmon. Michigan Trout Unlimited is the coordination and representation for 20 local chapters of Trout Unlimited and over 7,000 individuals. Michigan TU does whatever it takes to advocate for the prudent management of these resources. The Great Lakes are one of the these resources and many of Michigan's TU Chapters depend on them economically. Michigan TU has a long history of freshwater conservation and a vested interest in the continued health of the Great Lakes. Trout Unlimited is a national organization, but was founded here in Michigan and is very proud of its heritage. Now Michigans most valuable resource is threatened and Michigan TU is devoted to ensuring the Great Lakes' continued health, for both ourselves and future generations. Michigan TU is a grassroots organization. Our success is n conserving, protecting and enhancing coldwater fisheries depends upon the active participation of our individuals. They construct stream improvements, conduct monitoring of aquatic resources, hold educational programs, set conservation advocacy agendas, do fund raising and keep our organization running strong. Our members are passionate about Michigans coldwater fisheries and watershed and are dedicated to improving them. Michigan TU is oftentimes the only line of defense against environmental threats all across Michigan. Trout Unlimited was founded in 1959 when a small group of concerned Michigan anglers banded together to ensure the health of trout, their habitat, and the sport of angling. Just two years later, the conservation organization had won its first victory; Michigan had replaced its indiscriminate stocking of catchable-sized trout with stream improvement programs, fingerling planting and protective fishing regulations. Michigan TU doesnt just care about the fish, we care about their habitat too. Watershed restoration is more than just placing rocks and picking up garbage: a typical project often spans years of research, planning and ongoing stream work.With the power of thousands of volunteers behind us, Michigan TU is ready and able to help ensure that all Michigans coldwater fisheries and watersheds are protected, preserved and improved.

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