Aquatic Invasive Species

It is important to manage Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) as it can overtake the habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity. AIS provides an unsuitable shelter, food and nesting habitat for native animals along with dense mats at the water’s surface that impacts water recreation. When invasive plants become too abundant they can cause not only economic harm but also environmental harm. The video below is a great informative video on invasive species:

Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Video: Minnesota Waters at Risk – Aquatic Invasive Species

AIS Detective

If you are interested in learning more about AIS, the University of Minnesota AIS Department program has a YouTube channel where you can view prior webinars. Visit University of Minnesota AIS Detectors – YouTube. If you are interested in becoming a AIS Detector or just want to help with occasional AIS monitoring around our lake, please us the Contact Us form to reach Board President, Tom Hubbard.

Citizen Reporting of New Aquatic Invasive Species

If you think you have found an invasive aquatic species new to our lake, record the exact location of the sighting. Collect a specimen and wrap specimen in a moist (not dripping) paper towel, place in a sealable plastic bag, put it in an envelope and contact one of the links in the paragraph below. You could also take a digital picture (use a pen or coin next to the plant in the photo to provide some sense of scale).

An invasive species, like Zebra Mussels, is recorded for our lake. If you identify an aquatic invasive species that has not been reported for our lake you can contact AIS Trained Detector, Tom Hubbard, Big Pine Lake Property Association President who would be happy to look at your specimen. You can also contact Kyle Frederickson (Fred.aitkinswcd@gmail.com) with the Aitkin County Soil & Water Conservation District for information or the Brainerd DNR Department. DNR Invasive Species Program Reporting Phone Numbers: 651-259-5100 (metro) or 1-888-646-6367.
MN DNR Reporting Information

Aquatic Invasive Species Information

MN DNR Aquatic Invasive Map

Eurasion Milfoil (Currently in Mille Lacs Tributaries)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticplants/milfoil/index.html

Photo Credit: MAISRC

Zebra Mussels (Currently in Big Pine Lake, Little Pine, Farm Island, Cedar, Mille Lacs)

Zebra Mussels
Photo Credit: MAISRC

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/zebramussel/index.html

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/zebramussel/zebra-mussel-pilot-project.html

Quagga Mussels (Currently in Mille Lacs)

Photo Credit: MAISRC

Chinese Mystery Snails (Currently in Mille Lacs)

Photo Credit: MAISRC

Spiny Water Flea (Currently in Mille Lacs)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/spinywaterflea/index.html

Curlyleaf Pondweed (Currently in Mille Lacs)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticplants/curlyleafpondweed/index.html

Photo Credit: MAISRC

Starry Stonewart (Currently in Mille Lacs)
Video from Lake Koronis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvw3OCgyq2A

Photo Credit: MAISRC

Zebra Mussels in Big Pine Lake

MNDNR Zebra Mussels Information Page

Invasive Species in Aitkin County

The Aitkin County Soil and Water Commission Conservation District monitors Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in our county. Currently, Big Pine Lake has Zebra Mussels. Our association attends AIS meetings on a monthly basis. There are some experimental trials looking at options for eradication of Zebra Mussels and the Association will continue to review the newest treatment options for consideration that minimizes damage to the lakes ecology. One of the invasive species to watch for is the Spiny Water Flea which attaches to fishing lines (looks lie cotton). They have been detected in Mille Lacs, so we fear transportation to our lake. Additionally, Mille Lacs has Eurasion Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels. Round Lake has Curlyleaf pondweed. Again, we fear transportation to our lake and this is why a clean in-clean out program is so important. The following Links provide additional information.

Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District
MNDNR Local Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Information
Mille Lacs Watershed & Round Lake AIS

AIS Prevention: Watercraft Clean In – Clean Out Program

Watercraft and water related equipment can spread zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS), flowering rush, Eurasian milfoil, spiny water flea, starry stonewort, etc. Before entering the lake and when leaving the lake, make sure you:

CLEAN: All the weeds, debris and mud off your boat, trailer and equipment that will enter the water.

DRAIN: All live wells, bilge areas, motors and other water holding containers.

DRY: Completely dried your watercraft and REMOVED the PLUG.

DNR Invasive Species Prevention

DECONTAMINATE:  If you are moving your boat from one lake to another and do not have sufficient time to allow it to dry thoroughly, you need to decontaminate your watercraft and gear to ensure you are not transporting invasive species that are not visible or removable.

AIS Resources

AIS contacts in MN counties:

Sources regarding AIS, by species

Minnesota and US AIS rules, laws, and programs

AIS inspection and decontamination programs

Funding sources

Minnesota’s infested waters list

AIS research