Protect Your Waters from Invasive Species!

Invasive aquatic plants are non-native plants that can potentially create recreational nuisances to lakes and reduce native plant diversity. In Minnesota, there are many species of invasive plant life that inhabit the water and overpopulate the area, leading to detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Because of this, the Minnesota DNR has created some tips to make sure that boaters aren’t further contaminating Minnesota’s beloved lakes with more invasive species!

These invasive species latch onto boats and jet skis, and when the vehicle is transported into a different body of water, the plant comes with them and starts to infest the lake that it was transported to. Some of these invasive species include: Brazilian elodea, brittle naiad, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, purple loosestrife, and many more invasive plants.
To eradicate the issue of invasive plants being transported via aquatic vehicle, the Minnesota DNR recommends that boaters clean all visible plants off of the watercraft and trailer before leaving the water access, drain all water-related equipment, and dispose of unwanted bait from fishing into the trash. If we all make an effort, we can put a stop to the infestation of our beautiful lakes by these invasive species!
You can find more information on this topic on the DNR’s web page for this topic, listed here.