1. Introduction to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County
Introduction to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

2. Aquatic Invasive Plants
"exotic", "alien", and "nonnative" means the species does not naturally occur here, and has been brought here either accidentally or intentionally
"native" plants occur naturally and are fully integrated into the ecosystem
Not all alien plants are harmful, but those that are can disrupt the natural ecosystem, out-compete native plants and take over large areas. These plants are considered "invasive" and "nuisance" species.
Invasive aquatic plants can get out of control because there is nothing in the ecosystem naturally to keep the population in check.
When invasive plants take over and form dense mats, they change the habitat and make it unsuitable for fish, birds and other aquatic organisms.
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

3. Little Pelican, near river inlet
Curly-leaf pondweed
First was found in MN in 1910
Probably was accidentally introduced when common carp were intentionally brought to MN
In spring, it can form dense mats that may interfere with boating and other recreation on lakes
Can cause ecological problems because it can displace native aquatic plants
In midsummer, it usually dies back, resulting in rafts of dying plants piling up on shoreline
Little Pelican, near river inlet
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

4. Curly-leaf pondweed Found all over MN
Introduced to lakes by fragments on boats, motors and boat trailers
Usually first found at public boat accesses and river inlets in chains of lakes
Of all invasive plants, this is the one with the highest probability in the area
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

5. Serrated leaf edge Reddish stem
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

6. Flowering rush Competes with native shoreland vegetation
Eurasian plant that was sold commercially for use in garden pools
Now illegal to buy, sell or possess the plant
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

7. Flowering rush
Introduced to Deadshot Bay of Detroit Lake in the mid-1970’s
Spread to Detroit, Muskrat, Sallie, Melissa, and Mill Pond
The type in the area does not produce seeds, it spreads by root fragments
Pelican River Watershed District is spraying for rush to control it
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

8. Flowering rush at the Detroit Lakes City Beach
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

9. Eurasian watermilfoil
Nuisance invasive plant in the Twin Cities Metro Area
Spread by plant fragments carried on boats, motors and boat trailers
Eurasian milfoil
12-21 leaflet pairs per leaf
Northern milfoil
5-10 leaflet pairs per leaf
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

10. Eurasian watermilfoil
Nearest lakes with infestations
Oscar Lake, Douglas Co
Leech Lake, Cass Co
Bay Lake, Crow Wing
Kimball Lake, Crow Wing
Lower Mission Lake, Crow Wing
Ossawinnamakee Lake, Crow Wing
Ruth Lake , Crow Wing
Upper Mission, Crow Wing
Lake Alexander, Morrison Co
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

11. Plants that look similar
Eurasian watermilfoil
(12 to 21 pairs of leaflets)
Northern watermilfoil
(5 to 10 pairs of leaflets)
Coontail (Hornwort)
(forked leaves in a circle)
Bladdarwort
(branched, flimsy leaves)

12. Zebra mussels D-shaped shell Brown stripes ¼ - 1 ½ inches long
Females produce up to a million eggs per year
Byssal threads attach to hard objects
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

13. Zebra mussels Impacts Cut feet on beaches Clog irrigation pipes
Clog boat motors
Harm fisheries
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

14. Beltrami County
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

15. Knocking on our door… Quagga mussels Spiny waterflea
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)
Asian carp 6
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

16. DNR Role
The DNR is the state entity in charge of invasive species; however, they have over 10,000 lakes to keep track of and their state budget varies year to year depending on state funding
There is an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist at the DNR Fergus Falls Office
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

17. What can you do? PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES IN YOUR LAKE!
Once invasive species have established, it's pretty near impossible to get rid of them.
They can be controlled with chemicals, but never eliminated.
Chemical control can be expensive ($ /acre).
The Lake Minnetonka Association is spending well over $100,000 on control of Eurasian watermilfoil yearly.
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

18. What can you do?
Inspect your boat, trailer, and boating equipment for plant fragments
Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and transom wells while on land before leaving any waterbody.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Never release live bait into a waterbody, or release aquatic animals from one waterbody into another.
Wash then dry your boat, tackle, downriggers, trailer, and other boating equipment to kill harmful species that were not visible at the boat launch.
Learn what these organisms look like
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County

19. What can Lake Associations do?
Enroll in DNR Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection Program
Designate an “Invasive Species Watch” committee for your lake association
Bring plant samples into your local DNR office for confirmation of identifications
Produce educational brochures and put them at your boat accesses
Check with Fergus Falls fisheries office about past fisheries surveys on your lake. They note aquatic plants in those records.
AIS · Aquatic Invasive Species Education for Beltrami County