SHERWOOD – Governor Jim Doyle today announced a Recovery-funded “green jobs” pilot program employing 55 young adults this summer at boat landings across the state to combat invasive species.
“With this Recovery-funded pilot, Wisconsin wins in three ways,” said Secretary Gassman, who made the announcement on behalf of the Governor. “It provides young people with meaningful summer ‘green’ jobs outdoors, not just a paycheck but an opportunity to explore careers in recreation, conservation and environmental protection. It helps protect our lakes and rivers from Eurasion watermilfoil, zebra mussels and other invasive species. Finally, it strengthens partnerships to ensure a first-rate workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Secretary Gassman announced the Invasive Species Demonstration Project at High Cliff State Park near the Calumet County Village of Sherwood and met with watercraft inspectors at the park’s boat landing on Lake Winnebago. She said the project would not have been possible without the support of the Governor and funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This ARRA-funded project is one of many that will employ approximately 4,000 Wisconsin young people statewide through June 2011.
“Governor Doyle’s commitment to this joint effort between DNR and DWD is a great investment in protecting our beautiful lakes, rivers, and fishing destinations which are important to our economy and our quality of life,” DNR Secretary Matt Frank said. “Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin has tripled the funding to fight aquatic invasive species and slowed their spread. While there is more work to be done, there is reason for optimism.”
With ARRA funds, Governor Doyle provided for the employment of five young adults in each of the state’s 11 workforce development areas. The individuals, 18 to 24 years of age, have been trained as watercraft inspectors by the DNR. Working 20 hours a week at $8 per hour, they have been dispatched to lakes and rivers known to contain invasive species.
Under the supervision of the DNR and its community partners, the watercraft inspectors will work at boat landings, informing and educating the public about aquatic invasive species. Duties also include inspecting boats, observing boater behavior and entering the information into an online database. The pilot is scheduled to run eight weeks. Total project cost has been estimated at approximately $98,500.
Secretaries Gassman and Frank intend to establish a permanent working relationship that involves their partners, provides youth with summer jobs and continues the fight against invasive species.
For more information about Wisconsin ARRA efforts, visit: http://recovery.wisconsin.gov/
For more information about invasive species, visit: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/invasives/
