A study by the DNR shows the spread of aquatic invasive species remains stable, which a leader says means prevention efforts are working.
DNR Aquatic Invasives Coordinator Bob Wakeman said they sampled 200 lakes over five years, the largest effort of its type in the nation...
"....we're happy to say the rate is not increasing. I wish I could say the rate was decreasing, meaning were beginning to stop the spread. The good news is it's not going up any faster...."
He says the longest term invaders continue to be the most difficult to deal with...
"....Eurasian Water Milfoil, Zebra Mussels, Curly Leaf Pond Weed, those are probably the more common ones you hear about...."
While the researchers discovered at least one undesirable species in nearly 75 percent of the lakes, it appears the most concerning invaders are being successfully kept out of the majority of lakes. Wakeman says 90 percent of the lakes remained free of zebra mussels and 75 percent of lakes did not have Eurasian water milfoil.
Wakeman says positive efforts have included campaigns such as Clean Boats, Clean Waters, which uses teams of volunteers as well as some paid staff from the DNR, Sea Grant and other organizations to help with boat and trailer checks to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
