INVASIVE SPECIES
We are all learning more and more about both land and aquatic invasive species that pose either an immediate or potential threat to the health of our lake.. Our Lake Steward strives to share research and provide guidance on the management of these invasive species. We've also learned that once an invasive species enters, it is extremely difficult to eliminate them. For that reason, our members are encouraged to practice prevention, especially "Clean, Drain and Dry".
Prevention
From the experts at the Invasive Species Centre, we've learned that:
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Prevention is the most effective and low-cost solution for managing invasive species
'Invasive aquatic plants pose serious threats to all waterbodies, from small streams to the Great Lakes. They damage the ecosystem, and reduce water quality for recreational use. Aquatic plant invaders form dense mats of vegetation that block sunlight and prevent native plants from growing. This can negatively impact native wildlife populations that feed on these native plants."
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DID YOU KNOW?
"Fragmentation is a plant's way of reproducing asexually, when the plant is cut up or disturbed and breaks, new individuals can develop from those fragments. To limit further spread, avoid boating through areas with known aquatic invasive plants."
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The MVCA Senior Biologist has pulled together a quick summary of the invasive species that are more likely to have a local impact as they are nearby or already in the MVCA watershed. They have also included a list of websites that can provide more information on each species as well as suggesting places to submit photos for reporting and tracking purposes.
Remember
CLEAN
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Inspect and clean plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, trailer, and gear (fishing gear, waders, boots, etc).
DRAIN
Drain all water from your watercraft, trailer, and gear (e.g. buckets, well, bilge, ballast etc.).
DRY
Dry all parts of your watercraft, trailer and gear completely between trips.
Follow these best practices to protect the health of our waterways:
1. CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY all watercraft, trailer, motors, and gear every time, everywhere.
2. NEVER release or move fish, animals, or plants from one waterbody into another.
3. LEARN to recognize aquatic invasive species and report them.
4. INFORM others about the threat of aquatic invasive species.
Practice these steps whenever you go on, in, or near water – when you’re angling, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, using waders, etc.