Thanks to a WDNR AIS grant, the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (FWWA) hired Brady Stockwell as the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Shawano and Menominee Counties in May. Brady has jumped in with both feet to join in the efforts against AIS in the Shawano and Menominee area. Partners including the Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties (WAMSCO), Scott Frank (Shawano County Conservationist) and Jeremy Johnson (Menominee County Department Director for Conservation/Forestry/Zoning), allowed Brady to quickly familiarize himself with the counties and get to work right away. As with any program in FWWA the initial goal is to reach out and connect with existing organizations, lake associations/districts, and municipalities to understand their individual visions and ideologies for the their lakes. FWWA can then assess what components we can assist with to expedite the success of their vision. As the AIS program kicks off, Brady and the Fox-Wolf team are quite excited to integrate and expand into the Shawano and Menominee areas and are hopeful to make a lasting impact in the region.
Building New Relationships
Brady has already met with several contacts in the Menominee and Shawano area. Brady states, “The more people we can contact and build relationships with up here, the more partners we have to provide a joint effort in stopping the spread of AIS…When it comes to prevention through education and outreach, there is certainly power in numbers!” In an effort to appeal to all who love their lakes, Fox-Wolf encourages meeting with municipal figures, lake associations/districts, and local anglers and boaters. Initial contacts include Shawano County Land Conservation, whom Brady has been working with to spruce up the local AIS kiosks at the launches and Menominee County and Menominee County Land Conservation who will assist and guide the Fox-Wolf team to increase contacts in the area as well as coordinate strategies and plans for AIS prevention. Thanks to FWWA’s relationship with WAMSCO, Brady has made many contacts with local lake associations/districts. Brady has already attended meetings for the Cloverleaf Lakes Protective Association (CLPA) and White Clay Lake Protective & Rehabilitation District (WCLPRD).
Brady also works frequently on weekends to implement a Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program at several launches. While conducting CBCW, Brady talks with local anglers and boaters about AIS spread and prevention as well as their values and concerns about the lakes they recreate on. From these connections Fox-Wolf hopes to develop strong relationships in the Shawano and Menominee area to provide a joint effort in the stopping the spread and prevention of AIS.
Joy Krubsack and Kris Doan have partnered with AISC Brady Stockwell to help educate and offer Invasive Species experience to local students.
Pictured: Joy Krubsack (Right) and Kris Doan (Left)
Joy and Kris stand on Gibson Island, a beautiful nature reserve in the town of Belle Plaine.
Clean Boats Clean Waters in Menominee and Shawano
Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) is an essential part of every AIS Program. It not only increases awareness and helps educate local boaters and anglers about AIS, but it also aids in the forming of relationships with the local lake goers and gives AIS Coordinators a feel and understanding of just how much the citizens care about their lakes. Since being hired, Brady has put in over 30 hours of CBCW with over 240 contacts. He states “The people in Shawano and Menominee are very friendly and seemed very excited to see FWWA joining in on the fight against AIS in their counties. Just talking with the local lake goers I could tell they were really passionate about their lakes!” CBCW has allowed Brady to not only get in touch with the local boaters and anglers and spread the word about AIS, but also to really experience the “welcoming” atmosphere that surrounds the Shawano and Menominee area.
The Vision Moving Forward
With the ball now rolling, FWWA is set to pursuit some large goals for Menominee and Shawano Counties. Looking forward, the Fox-Wolf team is excited to join in the endeavors of the Shawano and Menominee region, and is confident that with the help of the municipalities, lake associations/districts, and citizens who care, we can create a joint effort against AIS in Menominee and Shawano Counties to prevent the spread and protect, renew, and restore the lakes and waterways for generations to come.
If you are interested about the program and want to know more, or just have any questions, comments, concerns, feel free to contact:
Brady Stockwell (AIS Coordinator Menominee/Shawano)
Phone: 920-851-4336
E-Mail: Brady@fwwa.org
