Aquatic Invasive Species Surveying      

The County implements the State’s AIS Prevention Planning at the local level. The SWCD assists the County with early detection, monitoring and education.

The SWCD inventories 12 recreational lakes for new AIS infestations. The SWCD provides AIS education to community youth by teaching at the 6th grade Environmental Education Day. Fifth graders at Cambridge Intermediate Schools learn about AIS through a contracted production by the CLIMB Theatre. Recently, one of our technicians produced an Eurasian Watermilfoil identification video with the Spectacle Lake Improvement Association.

You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Remember to CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and water related equipment. DRAIN water-related equipment (Boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, motor) and drain bilge, livewell, and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving the water access or shoreline property.  Keep drain plugs out and water draining devices open while transporting watercraft. DISPOSE of unwanted bait, including minnows. leeches, worms in the trash.  It is illegal to release bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals from one waterbody to another.  If you want to keep your bait you must refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

 Information about the county's local water management plan can be found here and includes information on invasive species managment.

For information about AIS go to the "Education & Outreach" tab on our website. 

So far, the following lakes in Isanti County have been found to contain Eurasian Water-milfoil: Baxter, Skogman, Spectacle, Green, and Long.

If you suspect a new infestation of an aquatic or invasive plant or animal, note the exact location, take a photo or keep the specimen, and call the AIS Specialist in your area.  The Specialist for Isanti County is Christine Jurek. She can be reached at 320-233-7847.