2021 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan approved by Crow Wing County Board February 23rd

To view plan click hVersion OptionsAquatic Invasive Species (AIS)HeadlineIs your lake infested?ere  Opens in New Window 

Public comment period closed February 1st, 2021 

Staff responses to public comments are available here Version OptionsAquatic Invasive Species (AIS)HeadlineIs your lake infested? Version OptionsAquatic Invasive Species (AIS)HeadlineIs your lake infested?

 Version OptionsAquatic Invasive Species (AIS)HeadlineIs your lake infested?

 Version OptionsAquatic Invasive Species (AIS)HeadlineIs your lake infested?

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.

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When Crow Wing County was identifying the priorities for the 2013 to 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 to 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

Where are decontamination stations located?

Is your lake infested? 

Check out the interactive map for additional information.

AIS Decontamination

Decontamination stations are available to boaters free of charge, with priority given to boaters who have been referred for decontamination by watercraft inspectors or law enforcement present on area landings. For more information about Brainerd Lakes Area Decontamination Stations, see the resources:

• 2021 AIS Decontamination Locations (PDF)pens a New Window. 
• Crosslake Decon Location Map (PDF)Opens a New Window.  Opens a New Window. Opens a New Window. 

2021 Decontamination Stations

(Select the map to enlarge)

Starry Trek Event (Starry Stonewort)

Crow Wing County has hosted two "Starry Trek"  events. One in 2019 and one in 2020. Starry Stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to fifteen Minnesota lakes. A huge thank you to all the volunteers that participated in the search for Starry Stonewort. These events have been successful and a great learning experience! No Starry Stonewort has been found during Starry Trek in Crow Wing County! We have had 21 volunteers that searched different lakes and multiple accesses throughout the county. Please watch for more information to come on our 2021 Starry Trek!

• Starry Stonewort Factsheet
• 2020 Starry Trek Volunteers Opens in New Window 
• 2019 Starry Trek Volunteers Opens in New Window  Opens a New Window. 

Additional Information

• University of Minnesota article on Crow Wing County's program
• 2021 CWC AIS Prevention Plan PresentationsSsakhellow wher eam i typingSdddddddddUn Opens in New Window g Opens a New Window. 
• CWC AIS Infested Waters List (PDF) Opens a New Window. 
• Zebra Mussel Flyer  Opens a New Window. 
• Milfoil Flyer  Opens a New Window. 
• AIS Poster  Opens a New Window.  Opens a New Window. SSa Opens a New Window. 

More information on these objectives can be found in the 2013 to 2023 Crow Wing County Water Plan (PDF)

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