WSC - AIS

Aquatic Invasive Species

Introducing non-native species into Iowa waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. Aquatic nuisance species (Eurasian Milfoil, Zebra Mussels, etc.) are most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on boats and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource.

AIS Volunteer Schedule - Month of July

East Okoboji & Lower Lakes Schedule CLICK HERE updated June 12, 2008

Spirit Lake Schedule CLICK HERE updated May 22, 2008

West Okoboji Schedule CLICK HERE updated July21, 2008

DNR AIS Boat Ramp Schedule CLICK HERE updated May 26, 2008

2008 Volunteer AIS Inspection Program - Iowa Great Lakes

For a number of years, the residents and visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes have been concerned about the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). There are a dozen types of invasive species, but the two that are of the most concern to us are Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels. In the fall of 2007 it was found the tiny zebra mussel population at Clear Lake had increased exponentially. Now Clear Lake docks and hoists are covered with zebra mussels. With this new zebra mussel outbreak at Clear Lake, we need to significantly increase our efforts to protect the Iowa Great Lakes.

For the last two summers, three DNR Water Patrol Officers have been on boat ramps each day to educate boaters about the threat of AIS. While on the boat ramps these officers are also inspecting boats and trailers for any signs they are carrying AIS. But with 12 major boat ramps and three officers, some boat ramps are left uncovered. The major concern is with coverage is on weekends and holidays when the number of boaters using our ramps increases significantly.

For the summer of 2008, there is an opportunity for volunteers to assist the DNR on busy weekends and holidays to help prevent AIS from entering the Iowa Great Lakes. Each volunteer would cover a boat ramp for two hours each summer month to educate boaters about the harm AIS can do to our lakes. Some volunteers may want to contribute more than two hours per month - that is possible. The volunteers would also educate boaters on how to prevent AIS from entering the Iowa Great Lakes. Volunteers will be provided a DNR vest for identification and a procedure checklist for conducting the interview with the boater.

AIS Volunteer Training

Now that the formal training is completed potential volunteers should:

1) read the attached AIS Volunteer Training document CLICK HERE

2) read this Water Safety Council webpage,

3) work two hours with a Water Patrol Officer on a boat ramp. The Water Patrol Officer schedule can be be found at this web page.

Volunteers should schedule their time with one of the Lake Coordinators. This scheduling is how we avoid having too many volunteers at one boat ramp and none at another boat ramp. Highway 9 and Emerson Bay are two boat ramp examples - that during busy periods - could use more than one volunteer.

The original idea was to have volunteers for weekends and holidays. As we gain more volunteers we could provide coverage on weekdays.

The Lake Coordinators can also furnish the volunteers with a identification vest, clipboard, AIS brochures, and trailer stickers. Boat Ramp Volunteer Report Form CLICK HERE

AIS Volunteer Lake Coordinators

Each lake protective association has appointed a Lake Coordinator to coordinate the volunteers with the boat ramps and a time schedule for their respective lakes:

West Okoboji

Paula Henry � 332-5444 Email phenry@iowalakes.edu

East Okoboji & Lower Lakes

Bonnie Simonson � 332-7266 Email simonson@pcpizza.com

Spirit Lake

Dick Ramsey � 336-5336 � Email rramsay@mchsi.com

If you are unable to contact a Lake Coordinator you can contact the Water Safety Council by sending an email to watersafety@longlines.com with your name and contact information.

Clear Lake Outbreak of Zebra Mussels

Last fall (2007) it was found that the zebra mussel population in Clear Lake had increased exponentially. Two years ago three zebra mussels were found in Clear Lake.

This past summer the DNR set out 5 plate samplers around Clear Lake and checked them monthly.

All of the plate samplers had zebra mussels. This sampler had 500 zebra mussels when it was checked in July.

This boat hoist shows the Zebra Mussels that were found as docks and hoists were removed from Clear Lake this fall.

This outbreak of Zebra Mussels in Clear Lake - over 100 miles from the nearest known infestation highlights how quickly zebra mussels can spread. The Zebra Mussels at Clear Lake probably arrived on a boat that had picked up the mussels in an infested water body. Juvenile Zebra Mussels are microscopic and very difficult to see.

This spring the DNR will place more plate samplers in additional Iowa lakes, including the Iowa Great Lakes.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

In nutrient-rich lakes, Eurasian watermilfoil can form thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water's surface. In shallow areas, the plant can interfere with water recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The plant's floating canopy can also crowd out important native water plants.

Milfoil is found in waters less than 20-feet deep. It may form mats in waters less than 15-feet deep. A native look-alike northern watermilfoil has fewer (5-10) leaflet pairs.

A key factor in the plant's success is its ability to reproduce through stem fragmentation and underground runners. A single segment of stem and leaves can take root and form a new colony. Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake. The mechanical clearing of weed beds for beaches, docks, and landings creates thousands of new stem fragments that can drift with the wind. Removing native vegetation creates perfect habitat for invading Eurasian watermilfoil.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels are small clam like animals about the size of your fingernail - when fully grown. Zebra mussels have multiple stripes that give them their "zebra" name and are shaped like the letter "D". Zebra Mussels are very fast growing with sharp edges that cut swimmers feet. Zebras can also clog water intake pipes. (All of residents in the watershed draw their drinking water from the Iowa Great lakes.)

In 2005, two adult Zebra Mussels were found in Clear Lake (Less than 100 miles from the Iowa Great Lakes). In 2006 juvenile Zebra Mussels were found. By the fall of 2007 Zebras are growing exponentially at Clear Lake.

Boaters should follow a simple set of procedures each time when leaving the water:

Remove any visible plants, fish, or animals before transporting equipment
Drain water from all equipment (motor, livewell, bilge, transom well) before transporting
Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, boots, clothing, dogs).
Before moving to another waterbody either:

Rinse your boat and equipment with hot (104 degree) water; or

Spray your boat and trailer with a high pressure water at a car wash; or

Dry your boat and equipment for at least 5 days

Never release plants, fish, or animals into a waterbody unless they came out of that waterbody. Empty unwanted bait in the trash
Learn to identify aquatic invasive species. Report any suspected infestations to the nearest DNR fisheries station.

It is illegal in Iowa to:

Transport Aquatic Invasive Species on a public road.
Place a trailer or launch a watercraft with Aquatic Invasive Species attached in public waters.
Operate a watercraft in a marked Aquatic Invasive Species area.
The penalty for violating this law is a $100 fine. With court costs the fine could reach $175. Effective July 1, 2008 the penalty becomes a $500 fine.

According to Iowa law, the DNR may prohibit boating, fishing, swimming, and trapping in infested bodies of water.

Pesky Mussels Lake Rathbun - Des Moines Register article Nov. 5, 2007 Click Here

Pesky Invaders - Des Moines Register article April 1, 2007 Click Here

2006 Aquatic Invasive Species Program Final Report Click Here

Officers Educate Boaters - Sioux City Journal article May 27, 2006 Click Here

For More Information on Aquatic Invasive Species.............

See websites www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/exotics/exotics.html and

For the Iowa DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Brochure - click on http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/exotics/2006brochure.pdf

Also see U.S. Environmental Protection website: www.epa.gov/otaq/boat-fs.htm

Click here www.protectyourwaters.net