Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) has become a more widespread concern of Watershed Districts due to the detrimental effects AIS have on native communities and water quality. Sixteen of the 31 lakes within Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District are known to have at least one AIS (aquatic plant) and 4 have been confirmed via point-intercept surveys not to have AIS present.
This project investigated the remaining 11 lakes via a cost-effective, targeted macrophyte sampling strategy to verify that AIS plant species are not present or document their abundance if found. A survey for invasive aquatic animal species of concern (zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, and rusty crayfish) was also completed.
Client Benefits
- Cost-effective lake reconnaissance protocol developed to investigate AIS existence/proliferation.
- Mapping of the current areas of infestation to afford the ability to monitor future proliferation or decline.
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