Grant Recipient:  Lake Superior State University

 

Grant Award:  $150,000

 

Lake Basin:  Michigan, Superior

 

Project Description:  Lake Superior State University and many partners will implement a suite of activities aimed at increasing reproductive success, quality of nesting habitat, and outreach efforts for the endangered Great Lakes piping plover population. Specifically, they will: 1) expand survey efforts for potential plover nesting habitat by 60 miles; 2) identify, map and remove invasive plant species that directly limit availability of habitat in and around plover breeding territories; 3) intensively monitor seven breeding territories and associated nests and minimize nest losses due to natural and human disturbances; 4) salvage abandoned plover eggs for captive rearing and release of chicks; and 5) build upon previous outreach efforts at nesting sites to mount an extensive community outreach effort. These actions are critical for accelerating the recovery of the piping plover with the Great Lakes basin.