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DNR Director responds to criticism over Au Sable snail

Keith Creagh photo
Courtesy photo
/
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

A species of invasive snail has now been identified in three Michigan rivers. Some anglers who fish Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River have accused state officials of an inadequate response to the New Zealand mud snail. Michigan DNR director Keith Creagh responds to the criticism and explains what the agency’s doing.

In last week’s environmental segment, we heard from a member of a Michigan anglers association. Tom Baird and others are concerned with a tiny invasive snail recently discovered in the Au Sable River near Grayling. Baird was critical of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and raised doubts about the Grayling hatchery and its possible role in spreading the New Zealand mud snail.

That same day, DNR announced that the Grayling hatchery had been recently inspected and had taken other measures in an effort to stop the spread of the snail.

To learn more, we speak with Michigan DNR executive director Keith Creagh.

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