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| WAPOA Continues Vigilant Watch for Aquatic Invasive SpeciesBy Martha Davidge, WAPOA Did you know that even a oneinch segment of an invasive aquatic plant transferred from one lake to another could cause a major long-term problem? And in its larval state, an aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels can travel from lake to lake in a single drop of water? These are just some of the reasons that the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) continues their vigilant efforts to test for, educate people about, and work to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) from entering or spreading in our local lakes - both those on and off the Whitefish Chain. For the past several years, WAPOA has hired PLM Lake & Land Management Corporation out of Pequot Lakes to complete studies/surveys at 25 sites on the Whitefish Chain and outlying lakes on the lookout for aquatic invasives. Testing was completed this past summer in June and again in August, and WAPOA recently received the results. The one new development this year was that curly-leaf pondweed was found at the Trout Lake Access, where it had not been found in surveys done in previous years. Although the Whitefish Chain has not yet been infested with Eurasian water milfoil or zebra mussels, those invasives are found in waters not far away. The neighboring Ossawinnamakee Chain is fighting Eurasian water milfoil and it has also been found in nearby Kimball Lake and Upper Mission. Zebra mussels have now infested ten Crow Wing County Lakes, as well as Lake Mille Lacs. Because invasive species spread so easily from lake to lake, WAPOA’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Director Marv Erdman spoke cautiously about the mostly-positive 2009 PLM report. “WAPOA is extremely pleased that the invasives Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels have not been found in the 25 public accesses, resorts and marinas in the Whitefish area lakes we are currently monitoring.” Erdman explained. “But we know we need to do more. Not only has curly-leaf pondweed (CLPW) been found near the access on Big Trout, but we know it exists in Little Pine, Daggett and is advancing into Rush.” The DNR has advised WAPOA that CLPW is most likely growing in other areas on the Whitefish Chain as well, but perhaps has not yet been spotted or exists in amounts not large enough to be noted as a problem yet. WAPOA/PLM’s 2009 survey locations included: Big Trout Public Access and Seaquist-Oluf’s Resort on Big Trout, Lower Hay Lake public access; three public accesses on Cross Lake; Towering Pines, Clamshell Beach Resort and the public access on Clamshell Lake; Bay View on Rush Lake; Beacon Shores on Lower Whitefish; Bertha Boat Works on Lake Bertha; Pinedale Resort and Black Pine Beach Lodge, both on Pig Lake (sometimes referred to as Little Whitefish); Upper Whitefish’s Driftwood Resort, Piney Ridge, Heath’s Resort, Tip Top Resort, Killworry Resort and Piney Ridge Lodge; Mitchell, Kego and Eagle Lake in the Fifty Lakes area; Jordan's Lake Ridge Resort on Rush and Cross Lake; Clear Lake; and South Delta Bay near the Pine River. WAPOA/PLM have been treating curly-leaf pondweed in the Daggett Lake channel demonstration test site site for the past two years. This two-acre site is part of a three-year test, so treatment efforts will continue in the late spring of 2010. It is hoped that the demonstration site will prove that proper chemical application by licensed applicators can reduce, if not eliminate CLPW while leaving natural and necessary aquatic plants that are good for fish and microorganism populations. Erdman stated, “While WAPOA had an increase in the amount of hours volunteers spent on the public accesses this year monitoring and educating boaters about AIS, much of that increase was due to significant efforts by residents and friends at Lake Clamshell’s public access.” Other lakes on the chain like Whitefish and Cross are still in need of trained volunteers to inspect boats for AIS and help educate those using the lake. “Most of our other lakes (besides Clamshell) lack the participation level and enthusiasm needed to ensure AIS does not enter our waters,” Erdman said. While he noted perhaps not everyone has time to volunteer, Erdman pointed out other ways to help. “Please inform and educate your friends, neighbors and guests about the importance of protecting against AIS,” added Erdman. “Ask your lake service providers (like marina owners and dock installers/removers) if they practice safe AIS habits. Join your local lake association, and contribute monies to their AIS funds.” Erdman noted that for every dollar WAPOA spends to contract with the DNR for workers to man at public accesses through their AIS Prevention Grant program, the DNR will match that amount with additional public accessing monitoring. “It’s a ‘two for one’ deal that's hard to beat,” Erdman said. WAPOA urges everyone who uses the lakes - not just those who own property on the lakes - to join efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Tackling AIS will take a concentrated effort by everyone who enjoys the lakes. Membership in WAPOA is open to anyone, not just property owners. Additional funds from individuals and businesses can be donated and earmarked for AIS or other vital WAPOA lake stewardship programs. “Please volunteer and please join WAPOA in our fight against AIS and our efforts to keep our area lakes clean for generations to come,” said Erdman. To learn more about WAPOA, visit online: www.wapoa.org, or for more information on local lake associations visit www.minnesotawaters.org. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northland Press | P.O. Box 145 | Outing, MN 56662 | (218) 692-5842 Email: news@northlandpress.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
