The lakes of the Pelican River Watershed are more than places to fish, swim, and enjoy time outdoors. They are connected ecosystems that support native plants, wildlife, and the communities that surround them. Protecting these waters means addressing many different challenges, from runoff and development impacts to emerging threats like aquatic invasive species.
Aquatic invasive species, often called AIS, are plants, animals, or other organisms that are not naturally found in a waterbody and can cause harm when introduced. Once established, these species can be difficult and expensive to manage. Preventing their spread is one of the most effective ways residents and visitors can help protect the lakes they love.
What Are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Minnesota is home to thousands of lakes, making it a destination for boating, fishing, and water recreation. These activities connect people with the outdoors, but they can also unintentionally move invasive species from one lake to another.
AIS can spread when small pieces of plants, microscopic organisms, or animals are transported on boats, trailers, fishing equipment, docks, and other gear. A single boat moving between lakes without proper cleaning can introduce a species that may take years of monitoring and management to control.
Unlike native species that have evolved within local ecosystems, invasive species often lack natural predators or other environmental controls. This allows them to grow quickly, compete with native plants and animals, and change the balance of an entire aquatic system.
AIS Challenges in the Pelican River Watershed
Since the early 2000s, PRWD has been actively monitoring and managing aquatic invasive species throughout the watershed. Current AIS management efforts have focused on species including curly-leaf pondweed and flowering rush, two invasive aquatic plants that can impact recreation, navigation, and native plant communities.
Addressing AIS requires more than a single treatment or project. PRWD uses research, monitoring, partnerships, and targeted management strategies to better understand where invasive species are located and determine the most effective ways to respond. Recent research efforts have included evaluating treatment approaches for curly-leaf pondweed and studying long-term management strategies for flowering rush.
When treatments are necessary, PRWD follows a careful process that includes identifying affected areas, notifying residents, and using approved methods designed to reduce invasive species while protecting native aquatic communities.
Prevention Is the First Line of Defense
While organizations like PRWD and its partners work to manage existing AIS populations, prevention remains the most powerful tool. Every person who uses Minnesota’s lakes plays an important role in stopping the spread.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Clean In. Clean Out Program promotes three simple steps that make a big difference:
- Remove plants, animals, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, docks, fishing gear, and other equipment before leaving the water.
- Drain all water from boats, motors, live wells, bait buckets, ballasts, and other containers before moving to another lake.
- Allow equipment to dry completely before using it in another waterbody. Drying times vary depending on weather conditions and equipment type, so when in doubt, drying longer is better.
Other ways residents can help include:
- Never release aquarium plants, pets, or bait into lakes or streams.
- Use only legal bait and dispose of unused bait properly.
- Learn how to identify common AIS and report suspected new infestations.
- Encourage friends, family, and visitors to follow AIS prevention steps.
These actions can seem small, but together they help protect the connected system of lakes, streams, and wetlands throughout the watershed.
Why AIS Prevention Matters
Healthy lakes support recreation, tourism, property values, wildlife habitat, and the quality of life that makes the Pelican River Watershed special. Preventing invasive species from spreading helps protect these benefits for current residents and future generations.
Once an invasive species becomes established, controlling it can require ongoing investments in monitoring, research, and management. Prevention helps communities avoid some of these long-term challenges while protecting the natural resources that define the region.
Working Together for Healthy Waters
Protecting water quality has always been a shared responsibility in the Pelican River Watershed. PWRD’s work depends on collaboration with residents, lake associations, local governments, researchers, and state partners.
AIS prevention is another example of how individual choices connect to the health of the larger watershed. Whether you are launching a boat, fishing from shore, or enjoying time at the lake with family and friends, your actions matter.
By learning about aquatic invasive species and taking simple prevention steps every time you visit the water, you can help protect the lakes, rivers, and wetlands that make the Pelican River Watershed such a special place.
Healthy water starts with all of us. Learn more about AIS prevention, current management efforts, and how you can help protect local waters by visiting the PRWD website.
