Aquatic Invaders SummitOctober 5 & 6

Eric Fieldseth (Minnehaha Creek Watershed District)

Why is early detection important?Goal:  Detect a new infestation before it becomes widespread and Goal:  Detect a new infestation before it becomes widespread and established lakewide or spread statewide

Key to an effective rapid response

B i  i di       h  l k   hi h    h   Brings immediate awareness to the lake – which may change prevention and outreach efforts

Preventing Establishment of New Aquatic Invasive Species

f i / d iWatercraft Inspections/Education

Early Detection

Rapid Response

What can you do? Early detection monitoring is a great role for local government and lake residentsEarly detection monitoring is a great role for local government and lake residents

Can be as simple or extensive as you want it to be

Focus on high priority areas High risk lakes – public access, developed shoreline, high use Public & private boat launches

Prior to monitoring1 Know what’s in your lake!1. Know what s in your lake!2. Have AIS identification cards/picture3 Know what you are looking for and time of year it’s usually found3. Know what you are looking for and time of year it s usually found4. Know what to do if you find something

ResourcesDNR Infested Waters List:DNR Infested Waters List: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/infested.html

MN DNR website for identification helpMN DNR website for identification helphttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic_id.html

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District websitehttp://minnehahacreek.org/AIS/what-can-i-doLink to pdf of the Early Detector Guide Book

E l D t ti f I i M lEarly Detection for Invasive MusselsMethods

Top Strategy

Early Detection for Invasive MusselsTop Strategy Weekly check of sampler plate at public access dock(s) 10 minute shoreline assessment at public access (check rocks, other hard substrate)

Directly under docks in shallow water is prime location to check Scattered sampler plates across lake attached to private docks

Early Detection for Invasive Aquatic PlantsMethodse ods

E l D i f I i A i PlTop Strategy

Early Detection for Invasive Aquatic PlantsTop Strategy Rake tosses & visual observations at public accesses Meander survey with periodic rake tosses & visual assessment of matted

ivegetation

MethodsEarly Detection for Invasive Spiny-Water Flea

e ods

Example of a Comprehensive Monitoring St tStrategy

Public and private boat launch check

• Weekly check of sampler plate• Weekly check of sampler plate

• Weekly 10 minute shoreline assessment (check rocks and other substrate for zebra mussels, visual and/or rake tosses for invasive aquatic plants)• Examine vegetation washed up on shore

Zebra mussel sampler plates scattered across lake at private docksChecked weekly

Snorkel surveysy1 to 2 surveys per season – check ~100’ of shoreline out to 4 feet of water. Look for invasive mussels and plants. Check 3 to 5 locations each survey.

Shoreline meander survey for aquatic plantsCombination of rake tosses and visual assessment1 to 2 times per summer (know the seasonal patterns of what you are looking for)1 to 2 times per summer (know the seasonal patterns of what you are looking for)

Spiny-Water Flea Sampling1 to 2 times per summer - during meander survey

What to do if you find something? Note the exact locationNote the exact location Take a photo Keep the specimen Contact MN DNR AIS Specialisthttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html