Local work has helped slow the spread of AIS

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, is in his 10th year on the job and had good news while addressing members of the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations Thursday evening, Aug. 20. He spoke during COLA’s annual meeting at the city of Ottertail Community Center.

“You as lakeshore property owners have joined in the effort to stop the spread of invasive species,” McGrew said, “and this evening I can say emphatically that we are seeing AIS containment more than ever before.”

McGrew announced at the COLA gathering more AIS rinse stations being installed throughout Otter Tail County, similar to the one installed at Paul Miller Park north of Perham near Little Pine Lake. These stations provide ways to wash boats, trailers and gear to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Also announced by McGrew is future installations of tool stations near county lakes that will include brushes, drain plug wrenches and grabber tools. “The key to success is action which we can control and by fishing enthusiasts doing the right thing,” McGrew said.

As the AIS Specialist for Otter Tail County, McGrew leads a team of 25 trained watercraft inspectors. At the Aug. 20 COLA meeting he introduced Derek Tollefson, Otter Tail County deputy sheriff who explained his role in fishing boat owner compliance of AIS regulations.

“Over the years Zebra Mussels have invaded close to 1,000 lakes in Minnesota,” McGrew said, “but the volunteer work such as you in COLA, and others, have helped greatly in the containment and keeping invasive species out of other lakes.”

COLA member lakes have volunteers who participate in a water monitoring program. Data analysis contributes to healthy lakes. “COLA is proud of its lake stewardship,” says Sylvia Soeth, president of the COLA board of directors.

McGrew, over the years, has collaborated to install I-LIDS camera systems at public accesses, launched public rinse stations on high-traffic lakes and actively engages with schools and community organizations to raise awareness about AIS prevention. The motto for several years has been, “Stop aquatic hitchhikers.”

Across Minnesota, low concentrations of copper sulfate help control Zebra Mussel populations without harming native fish. “The goal is prevention and controlling invasive species as much as possible,” McGrew said.

Lakeshore property owners have lobbied Minnesota legislators to not cut state funding in the fight against Aquatic Invasive Species.

Tips when entering,

leaving boat access

Upon arrival at the boat access, make sure your boat plug is removed and no vegetation is hanging on the trailer.

Before leaving the boat access be sure to clean off your boat and trailer by removing all plants, mud debris and organisms from the exterior and interior. This includes angling equipment and anchors.

Know the law. You may not:

• Transport watercraft without removing the drain plug.

• Arrive at a lake access with the drain plug in place.

• Transport aquatic plants, Zebra Mussels or other prohibited species on any roadway.

• Launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached.

• Transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers.

• Release bait into lakes and rivers.