Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that live primarily in water and thrive in their new environment, often out-competing native species. Well known AIS include: zebra mussels, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasion watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, sea lamprey, and Asian carp. AIS management has quickly become one of the County's biggest challenges. Although the scenario varies by lake and by species, it is clear that the easiest and most cost effective method is prevention.

When Crow Wing County was identifying the priorities for the 2013 - 2023 Water Plan, a survey was sent to all riparian landowners in the County as well as to various stakeholder groups and to the general public (via a press release and participation at the County Fair). The results of that survey indicated that Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) was the top surface water priority. As the survey indicates, Crow Wing County has seen an ever-increasing demand from citizens and lake associations to become an active participant in the fight against AIS. The County's stated goal with respect to AIS in the 2013-2023 Water Plan is: To provide leadership in the fight against Aquatic Invasive Species by developing proactive solutions aimed at educating and empowering local citizens.

Under this goal are four primary objectives:

1. Lake Association Coordination
2. Watercraft Inspection
3. Lake Improvement District (LID) Management
4. Education and Outreach

Additional Information

• CWC AIS Infested Waters Map
• CWC AIS Infested Waters List
• CWC 2015 Zebra Mussel Veliger Testing Results
• 30 County Lakes Confirmed Free of Zebra Mussels
• Crosslake Decon Location Map
• Zebra Mussel Flyer
• Milfoil Flyer
• New AIS Poster

Is your lake infested?  Check out the interactive map for additional information.
 
More information on these objectives can be found in the 2013-2023 Crow Wing County Water Plan.
 

2017 AIS Prevention Plan, approved by County Board on 2-14-17

AIS Plan Public Comments and County Responses

2017 AIS Plan
2017 AIS Budget
2017 AIS Watercraft Access Risk Map
Appendix 1:  2017 Level I Inspector Hours
Appendix 2:  AIS Risk Classification by Landing