Aquatic Invasive Species

What are Aquatic Invasive Species? (AIS)

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are water dwelling plants, animals, or insects that are non-native and cause damage to our lakes, or bring harm to humans and our native species. Invasive species generally refer to aggressive non-native species, that have the potential to alter environmental habitats.

Protecting our lakes is like protecting our way of life! Threats to our water quality should be taken as a personal threat. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have established a foot-hold in many of our waters. Stopping their spread should be of utmost importance to anyone who loves lakes.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Fast growing. Forms thick weed mats that choke out native vegetation and impact swimmers, boaters and fish.

Zebra Mussels

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Prolific invaders, clogging/damaging to hard surfaces like docks, boat motors. Sharp shells can cut swimmers feet.

Starry Stonewort

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Starry Stonewort

Grows dense mats at the water’s surface that out competes native aquatic plants and could also affect water salinity levels.

How do AIS spread?

The pressure many of our lakes see from recreational users can take a toll. As mobile as we are, (fishermen, boaters, paddle boarders, kayakers, etc...) we hop from lake-to-lake with ease.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) or non-native plants, animals and sometimes fish are finding ways to spread along with our movements. The easiest mode of transportation for AIS is unfortunately by interaction with us.

On their own, invasive species expand territory fairly slow. With our help AIS are able to travel like jet-setters! Often they can be found attached to boat motors, (A) the watercraft itself, (B) trailers, or still floating within the live-well or bilge water. (C)

What can you do to stop the spread of AIS?

Drain everything!

Drain water from boats, motors, live-wells, even bait buckets before leaving the lake. Don't let AIS piggyback in bilge.

Clean your watercraft & trailer of all foreign matter.

Remove plants, mud, and other debris from your watercraft and trailer. Don’t allow any natural matter to be transported to other bodies of water. Remember... watercraft does not just mean boats. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, jet skis, etc... they all are capable of transporting AIS.

Fight Aquatic Invasive Species

What are Aquatic Invasive Species? (AIS)

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Zebra Mussels

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Starry Stonewort

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Starry Stonewort

How do AIS spread?

What can you do to stop the spread of AIS?

Drain everything!

Clean your watercraft & trailer of all foreign matter.

Dry it out. It’s the law!

Observe & report.