Summary of Specifications:
In 2002 the River Raisin within the City of Monroe limits experienced the invasion of the flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) invasive species at a few isolated areas. The flowering rush has since spread from the western extents of the City of Monroe downstream to Hellenberg Field. Areas are within the river and along the shoreline. Efforts to mechanically hand-pull the flowering rush were completed in 2007-2008 with some success, however the Flowering Rush has since come back. This project provides for management and monitoring of flowering rush from within the River Raisin in the City of Monroe. The flowering rush significantly reduces the rivers navigability by boats, reduces aquatic biological diversity, impedes recreational fishing, and will spread to adjacent State and Federal conservation lands if left unmanaged. The infestation also threatens the health of the native state-threatened water-willow (Justicia americana). The City of Monroe is partnering with the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) for monitoring and contracting to utilize licensed applicators and contractors to apply Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) approved / permitted chemicals to the flowering rush over two seasons (2015-2016). The CWMA has been awarded a grant with the 2014 Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with the departments of Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development. The amount of funding awarded for the flowering rush eradication is over two seasons (2015-2016). The permitted areas would include current flowering rush areas within the City of Monroe limits of the River Raisin and its banks. A long term management plan will be initiated in coordination with the City. The City of Monroe will provide mapping capabilities for outlining the work areas where the contractor shall provide the flowering rush treatment. This project will implement measures to control/treat flowering rush to minimize its negative impacts on the River Raisin section within the City of Monroe. Control treatments will occur within the River Raisin only. This project requires the contractor to treat the invasive species as described in protocols, best management practices and as described in this document. The control work will be accomplished by a combination of hand removal and careful herbicide application. The City will provide trained volunteers to hand pull the Rush in sensitive areas near stands of water-willow. The work shall be accomplished starting July 1, 2015 (mapping) with all work complete by November 1, 2016 and all reports done by November 30, 2016. See attached request for proposal document for additional information and instructions.
