The biannual Michigan Inland Lakes Convention returns to Boyne Falls April 28–30. This year's conference, titled Science and Leadership: A Formula for Successful Lake Protection and Management, will be held at Boyne Mountain Resort. Registration is now open online, with discounted "Early Bird" registration ending March 15.
Three days of educational presentations, discussions and in-depth workshops focusing exclusively on Michigan's inland lakes will be offered. Dozens of Michigan nonprofit, business and governmental exhibitors will showcase their projects, resources and services.
"We're thrilled that we'll be joined by two outstanding keynote speakers at the 2016 Convention – Rebecca Williams, the well-known reporter and producer of The Environment Report for Michigan Radio, and David Mifsud, an expert on Michigan's amphibians and reptiles," announced Convention coordinator Dr. Jo Latimore of Michigan State University. "Both are engaging speakers who fit perfectly with our theme that science and leadership are the right formula for managing and protecting Michigan's inland lakes."
Lake enthusiasts of all kinds – researchers, water resource professionals, local leaders, residents and vacationers alike – are invited to partake in workshops and presentations that will engage, educate and empower. On Thursday, April 28, participants can choose among a variety of workshops, including aquatic plant identification and management, fish management, the roles of local government in lake protection, and volunteer training for the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program. On Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 participants can choose from multiple concurrent sessions, such as climate change, invasive species, effective communication skills, lake law and shoreline protection.
The Convention is a cooperative effort between the many public and private organizations that make up the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership (MILP), including: Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc., the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Michigan State University Institute of Water Research.
The MILP promotes collaboration between locals, professionals, researchers and agencies in order to advance stewardship of Michigan's inland lakes. For more information, visit michiganlakes.msue.msu.edu/ or follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@Mich_Lakes).
Contact: Dr. Jo Latimore (MSU), 517-432-1491
