Dan Benishek: “This week marks Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. This is a good time to consider the threat that invasive…”

“This week marks Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. This is a good time to consider the threat that invasive species pose to all of our districts. Northern Michigan's economy depends on the Great Lakes and our beautiful outdoors. Invasive species represent a direct threat to our way of life. Even before I came to Congress, I was working on invasive species issues. I live on an inland lake, and we had a really difficult invasive weed get out of control. I have been working for years with my neighbors to control it, so I know just how difficult, and important, it is to get local buy-in for this fight. Volunteers throughout northern Michigan are working right now to attack invasive species on the ground. State officials are working to educate the public on how we can lessen the chance of spreading these invasive species. These efforts are in addition to the great work in my district by professionals at institutions like Northern Michigan University and the Hammond Bay Biological Station. I hope this week we will bring further attention to this fight and help Congress to focus more resources on this issue. ____________________”