Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

 
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Most lakes and rivers in Minnesota do not have aquatic invasive species (AIS)—and you can help keep it that way. These non-native species harm fish populations, water quality, and water recreation. You can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by

REQUIRED ACTIONS: You must...

  • CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shoreland.
  • DRAIN water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait container, motor) and drain bilge, live well, and bait well by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access or shoreland property. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.
  • DISPOSE of unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, and worms, in the trash; it is illegal to release bait into a water body. If you want to keep your live bait, you must refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

Violating these regulations may result in fines up to $1,000.

To report new AIS sightings, report a violation or for more information, contact:
Minnesota DNR Invasive Species Program
500 Lafayette Road • St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
651-259-5100 • mndnr.gov/ais

AIS DECONTAMINATION STATION

Hubbard County - Park Rapids

FREE Watercraft Decontamination Station is located at:
812 Henrietta Ave S
Park Rapids, MN 56470
 Available 7 Days a Week 10 AM - 6 PM
On Call: 218-252-6738
AIS Decontamination station

Beltrami County - Bemidji

FREE Watercraft Decontamination Station is located at:
 2400 Middle School Drive
Bemidji, MN 56601
Available 7 Days a Week
On-Call: 218-760-8519
DNR

DNR - Conservation Office

888-646-6367
Turn in Poachers (TIP): 800-652-9093

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native animals and plants that do not naturally occur in our waters and cause ecological or economic harm. Some of the AIS that have been found in Minnesota lakes are:
Eurasian Water-milfoil

Eurasian Water-milfoil

Plant forms dense mats that interfere with boating and swimming. It has long spaghetti-like stems and delicate feather-like leaves. There are 12 to 21 leaflet pairs per leaf.
These AIS have been found in Hubbard County Lakes 
These AIS species have been found in Beltrami County Lakes
Faucet Snail

Faucet Snail

The snail is an intermediate host for flukes that can cause mortality in ducks and coots if ingested. May also cause clogged water submerged equipment. Up to 1/2 inches long, light brown to black, 4-5 whorls.
These AIS have been found in Hubbard County Lakes 
These AIS species have been found in Beltrami County Lakes
Spiny Water-flea

Spiny Water-flea

Competes with small fish for food and fouls gear. Tiny crustacean (<1/2 inch). Difficult to distinguish without magnification. 1-4 pairs of barbs on tail. Prominent, thin, dark eyespot. Clumps look and feel like gelatin.
Zebra Mussel

Zebra Mussel

The only freshwater mollusk that attach to objects with byssal threads. Yellowish-brown clams, up to 2 inches long, have light and dark stripes on their “D” shaped shells. Damages ecosystems.
These AIS have been found in Hubbard County Lakes 
These AIS species have been found in Beltrami County Lakes
Starry Stonewort

Starry Stonewort

Starry stonewort is a bushy, bright green macro-algae. It produces a characteristic small, star-shaped bulbil that is less than 1/4 inch in diameter.
These AIS have been found in Hubbard County Lakes 
These AIS species have been found in Beltrami County Lakes
Lake Plantagenet South Boat Landing

Other AIS in Minnesota

  • Red Swamp Crayfish
  • New Zealand Mud-snail
  • Bighead and Silver Carp
  • Round Goby
  • Ruffe
More information of these AIS species can be found on the MN-DNR website www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais and in the Minnesota Fishing Regulations.

Thank You...

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for some of the information contained on this website. You can find more information about Lake Plantagenet and other lakes in Minnesota, plus hunting and fishing regulations, seasonal recreation and licenses on their website dnr.state.mn.us.

Thank you to Ms. Garcia's class for using this page as a resource for their AIS lesson. Here is another resource for AIS that their class shared with us:  Clean Your Boat: Learn about Invasive Species.
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