In 2011 the AIS committee scheduled DNR training of 17 boat inspector volunteers.  These people spend time at the public accesses (normally on weekends) and discuss AIS with boaters entering and leaving our lakes.  They also inspect the boats for presence of AIS and talk about the new AIS laws and how they affect boaters and fisherman.

 

Our lake association takes the issue of invasive species very seriously.  Zebra mussels appear to be the most serious threat we face today.  Once they are in a lake, there is no known method to control or contain them.  The only way to stop them is to not let them into our lakes.

 

Here are links to a couple videos that discuss the zebra mussel issue in the Great Lakes:

 

TV segments (produced by Wildlife Forever)

 

You Tube Video (created by Great Lakes Restoration Initiative)

 

In 2010 we created a new committee headed by Randy Helland that deals with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).  This first year was very successful.

 

Additional signs were placed at the two public accesses on Little Boy and Wabedo Lakes as well as the resorts that instructed the boat owner on how to prepare the boat before and after putting it in the water.  Signs were also placed dealing with AIS and also showing the "Sensitive Shoreline" areas.

 

 

 

We invited Darrin Hoverson of the Minnesota DNR to a Board meeting to discuss AIS.  Dick Sternberg of Little Boy Lake and former DNR did a presentation on zebra mussels at our annual meeting.  Doug Schultz of the Walker DNR came and trained our Beach Captains.

 

Property owners volunteered to be Beach Captains.  These Captains each took a section of shoreline and looked for AIS in the near-shore areas of their assigned sections.  These shoreline checks are performed in late August when the vegetation is at its peak growth.

 

We created a dedicated fund for AIS prevention/remediation.  This fund will be used to prevent AIS from entering our lakes or will be used to eradicate or manage AIS if it does get into our lakes.  You will be asked to donate to this fund when you renew your membership or you can send a check to WLBCR Lakes Assoc, PO Box 133, Longville, MN 56655 and indicate the check is for the AIS Fund.