Aquatic Invasive Species Education
Our lakes are changing… a lot.
Here are some resources on the latest AIS news.
Photo courtesy of Alison Fox, University of FL
Eurasian Milfoil
2023 - Note: No invasive Eurasian Milfoil was found in the Whitefish Chain. Although none has been found in the chain many of the surrounding bodies of water do have infestations, including: Ossawinnamakee, Bay, Kimble (Kimball) and several others less well known.
Additional Resources:
DNR information about Eurasian Milfoil
DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Look-alike Card
Northern Watermilfoil (native, non-invasive)
Photo courtesy of the University of MN
Zebra Mussels
All 14 lakes of the Whitefish Chain are now listed as infested with zebra mussels. There currently is no practical way to eliminate zebra mussels. The Whitefish Chain joins the other two major “destination” lakes in the county–Gull and Pelican–with being labeled as infested with zebra mussels.
Additional Resources:
DNR information about Zebra Mussels
DNR information about native mussels
Pilot projects being done to control mussels
Photo courtesy of the Watershed Council
Starry Stonewort
2024 - Starry Stonewort was detected in Rush Lake in late August. Learn more about next steps here. Starry stonewort is a macro-algae, meaning it does not have a vascular system like true plants. Each branchlet or stem is a single cell. Native populations consist of both males and females. Starry stonewort was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to many other MN Lakes.
Starry stonewort impacts:
Dense mats at the water’s surface inhibit water recreationists.
Overtakes habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity.
Provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native animals.
Additional Resources:
DNR information about Starry Stonewort
DNR for Starry stonewort look alike card
DNR Starry Stonewort Fact Sheet
Spiny Waterflea
August 2023 - Note: Spiny Waterfleas have not been found in the Whitefish Chain. Although none has been found in the chain experts do predict that Spiny Waterfleas may be introduced in to the Whitefish Chain area in the near future.
Additional Resources:
DNR information about Spiny Waterflea
MAISRC Spiny Waterflea information
Additional AIS Resources
The tracking, research and education of invasive species is constant. For the latest information on the Whitefish Chain and surrounding bodies of water please check the various resources that the Minnesota DNR puts out. Please check back here often as we continue to update with the latest news and resources.
DNR Infested Waters List
Interactive Map of Invasive Species infestations
University of Minnesota Invasive Species Identification Guide