The Fight Against AIS

Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are water dwelling plants, animals, or insects that are non-native and cause damage to our lakes, or bring harm to humans and our native species. Invasive species generally refer to aggressive non-native species that have the potential to alter environmental habitats.

What can be done?

The fight against aquatic invasive species is not a loosing battle!

Efforts in recent years are making big impacts on protecting our lakes. The more boaters and lake users that get involved in the fight the better. Below are steps we can all take to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in our lakes:

AIS Funding Request Form

2024 Cass County AIS Metrics Report

Drain everything!

Drain water from boats, motors, live wells, even bait buckets before leaving the lake.

CLEAN YOUR WATERCRAFT

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.

Click to find the Locations of Boat decontamination Stations throughout Minnesota

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 invasive species... report it! Early detection is the key to limiting the spread. Feel free to contact your SWCD if you think you’ve found something fishy.

Identify Aquatic Invasive Species

Below are some images and descriptions that will help you identify aquatic invasive species.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian watermilfoil is a feathery submerged aquatic plant that can quickly form thick mats that interfere with swimming and entangle propellers, which hinders boating, and fishing.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels foul up boats, motors, docks, and equipment left in lakes. Zebra mussels can survive out of water for days, so it is critical to clean, drain and dry docks, and watercraft before moving them to other lakes.

Starry Stonewort

Starry stonewort forms large dense mats of vegetation that often out-compete native aquatic plants and have impacts on boating, fishing and other native animals.

Spiny Waterflea

Spiny waterfleas are microscopic animals, that live in open water. They are often found clogged on fishing line in gelatinous blobs.They harm food sources that our native fish depend on.