By: Amanda Weberg, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Supervisor, Cook County SWCD

What are aquatic invasive species? At a basic level, aquatic invasive species (AIS) are things living in water that are not native to that location.

Watch this short video with Cook County residents about AIS prevention: https://youtu.be/Y8ZHWgJ8NLU.

What’s the big deal about aquatic invasive species? The impacts of AIS vary; however, they all cause problems. Some common impacts include:

• Ecological harm: AIS infestations disrupt the entire food chain and eliminate food sources for keystone species, which limits the survivability of desirable fish species.
• Economic harm: AIS infestations can reduce property values and recreational usage, which impacts the economic health of both local and regional communities.
• Human health harm: AIS infestations can negatively affect water quality, in some cases degrading area residents’ sole source of water. AIS can also directly threaten human health; for example, zebra mussel shells are razor sharp and will cut unprotected skin.

This all seems quite gloomy. Shouldn’t we give up and let these species go wild? No! Cook County has the least infested water in the state. The most harmful species, such as zebra mussels, starry stonewort, and Eurasian milfoil, are not yet present. By working together, we can keep it that way.

There are 867 lakes in Cook County, MN and twenty-nine of them have an AIS infestation. Meaning 97% of our lakes are free from aquatic invasive species. Over the last 8 years, two new infestations have been confirmed in Cook County. Throughout the state, 562 lakes have been added to Minnesota’s infested water’s list during the same time frame.

Why is this important? It is evidence that AIS prevention methods are working to slow the spread in Cook County. The watercraft inspectors you encounter at public lake accesses are making an impact and protecting waterbodies. Every time you dry your watercraft for 5 days before taking it out again, you are keeping the lakes healthy for future generations.

Zebra mussels might be the most well-known aquatic invasive species in Minnesota. Fortunately, there are currently no zebra mussels in Cook County and there are steps we can take to make our aquatic habitats less welcoming. Zebra mussels need a high level of calcium in the water to survive; our lakes currently have extremely low nutrient levels. If we prevent the flow of chemicals into our lakes from sources like shoreline properties and roads, zebra mussels will not become established. In addition, zebra mussels can survive out of water for 4.5 days. That is why it is important to wash your boat or “leave it out to dry for 5” before your next launch.

While we work together to slow the spread of AIS, science is doing its part, too. Researchers are finding new ways to safely manage and eradicate infestations. For example, zebra mussel genes have been sequenced and RNA methods are being tested to identify weak points in zebra mussel development. The weak points can be used to develop biocontrol methods that slow the species’ spread. Carp deterrents such as sound and carbon dioxide (which do not impact native species) have been developed and are now installed at locks and dams on the Mississippi River at the Iowa border. The deterrents nearly eliminate the migration of carp into Minnesota waters. This summer, research will be conducted in Cook County to determine which trapping methods are most effective for protecting wild rice from rusty crayfish infestations.

With or without ice on our lakes, the Minnesota fishing opener is here. Preventing invasive species from spreading requires simple changes to our behavior and consistency in our actions, just like brushing your teeth. These steps will keep our property, our lifestyles, and our lakes intact. With simple actions at the water, we can all keep the Arrowhead pristine for people to enjoy now and for hundreds of years to come.

Remember CD3: Clean. Drain. Dry. Dispose.

Clean and remove all plants, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, and gear.

Drain all water from boat, live/bait wells, and onboard ballast tanks.

Dry or rinse all gear and equipment thoroughly before moving to other waters.

Dispose unwanted live bait in the trash.

Contact: [email protected] 218-877-8559

Spread the word, not the species.