What lies
BENEATH THE DOCK?
Protecting our lakes is like protecting our way of life! Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have established a foothold in some of our waters. Stopping their spread should be of utmost importance to anyone who loves lakes.
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Eurasian watermilfoil is a feathery submerged aquatic plant that
can quickly form thick mats in shallow areas of lakes and rivers.
Starry stonewort forms large dense mats of vegetation that grow from the lake bottom to just below the surface of the water.
Zebra mussels clog drinking water intakes; foul up boat hulls, motors, docks, and equipment left in lakes. Their sharp shells litter beaches causing pain to swimmers. They harm native fish by
consuming food sources.
They also kill native mussels, crayfish, & snails.
What are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are simply water dwelling plants, animals, or insects that are non-native and cause damage or loss to our lakes, our property, and/or cause harm to humans or our native species. Invasive species generally refer to aggressive non-native species, that have the potential to alter environmental habitats or the living conditions of native species.
What can be done?
Drain everything!
Drain water from boats, motors, live wells, even bait buckets before leaving the lake.
Clean everything!
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.
Dry it out. It’s the law!
Any dock equipment moved from one lake to another must be dried on land for at least 21 days before it is placed in new lake. This includes docks, boat lifts and swim platforms.
Observe & report.
If you think you might have spotted an aquatic invaseive species... report it!