Have you taken a look at the 2014 Minnesota Fishing Regulations? If you have you have noticed that the fishing regulations put out by the Minnesota Department of Resources is much thicker than in the past. One reason it is larger is because there are 12 pages of MN waters that are infested with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Organisms that can and will harm water quality, fish populations, and water recreation are spreading throughut lakes in Minnesota. There are 40 lakes in Stearns and Wright counties that are infested and the number is increasing as you read this. The Mississippi River, located just to our East contains AIS. The two critters that we need to watch for are Eurasian Watermilfoil (12-21 leaflets per leaf) and the Zebra Mussel (only critter that attaches to objects with byssal threads). Both could cause major damage to our lakes.
The DNR recommends that before you leave a water access, clean the boat (remove any aquatic plants, off the boat, trailer and equipment); drain (all water from the boat, live wells, bilge, ballast tank and any other boating equipment holding water); and dispose (all unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, and worms in the trash). If you want to keep your bait the water must be replaced with tap or bottled water.
We have individuals that have been trained to identify AIS critters, they are Pat, Bob and Ken. We ask that you keep watch and if you feel that you have identified an AIS critter please notify one of these individuals or Greg, the Association President. Everyone should inspect their docks when they take them out in the fall for signs of AIS critters.
As we work together and educate others, we will help keep our two lakes free of unwanted aquatic invasive species.
