The Michigan Department of Natural Resources received nearly $16 million for state park projects in 10 counties and they’re sharing how that money will be used.

LANSING, Mich. An invasive aquatic plant first detected in southeastern Michigan in 1996 has been found in four inland lakes in Washtenaw and Jackson counties. The presence of European frogbit has been confirmed within the Waterloo Recreation Area, according to Michigans Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. European frogbit resembles a miniature water lily with leaves about the size of a quarter. Since its initial detection in southeastern Michigan, the plant has spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie and Huron up to the eastern Upper Peninsula. It also has been found in two lakes near Grand Rapids, several small bodies of water in Oakland County and in the Lower Grand River in Ottawa County and Pentwater Lake in Oceana County.

Michigan environmental officials announced they have recently confirmed the presence of an invasive aquatic plant in at least four lakes. European frog-bit was first detected in southeast Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie and Huron up to the eastern Upper Peninsula. Aquatic invasive species have the potential to harm Michigans environment, economy and human health. While waterfowl, currents and stream flow can spread the plant and its seeds, European frog-bit, like most invasive species, travels farther and faster by human movement. Reports also can be made to EGLEs Aquatic Invasive Species Program by email to EGLE-WRD-ANC@michigan.gov or by calling 517-284-5593.