Aquatic Invasive Species

Introducing non-native species into Iowa waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. Aquatic nuisance species (Eurasian Milfoil, Zebra Mussels, Asian Carp, etc.) are most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on boats and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource.     

Summer 2009 Volunteer AIS Inspection Program - Iowa Great Lakes

For a number of years, the residents and visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes have been concerned about the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). There are a dozen types of invasive species, but the three that are of the most concern to us are Eurasian milfoil, zebra mussels, and Asian Carp. In the fall of 2007 it was found the tiny zebra mussel population at Clear Lake had increased exponentially. Now Clear Lake docks and hoists are covered with zebra mussels. With this new zebra mussel outbreak at Clear Lake, we need to significantly increase our efforts to protect the Iowa Great Lakes.

For the past three summers, 3 DNR Water Patrol Officers have been stationed on boat ramps to educate boaters about the threat of AIS. While on the boat ramps these officers are also inspecting boats and trailers for any signs they are carrying AIS. However, with 12 major boat ramps and 3 officers, many boat ramps remain uncovered. The major concern is with coverage is on weekends and holidays when the number of boaters using our ramps increases significantly.

Last summer we launched a program for volunteers to assist the DNR at major boat ramps on busy weekends and holidays.  Each volunteer would cover a boat ramp for two hours a month to educate boaters about the harm AIS can do to our lakes. Some volunteers may want to contribute more than two hours per month - that is encouraged. 

How to Volunteer

1. Contact your Lake Coordinator to provide your name and contact information. The use of email is preferred because it requires less real time contact.

2. Obtain your volunteer equipment from the Maritime Museum or the DNR Fish Hatchery.

3. When you are ready – contact your Lake Coordinator to advise them the boat ramp and time you will be there.

2009 Volunteer Equipment

The volunteer equipment includes the orange vest, clipboard, volunteer training DVD, AIS brochures, boater’s maps, boat ramp report form, and 2009 trailer stickers. The equipment can be obtained from

• Maritime Museum – Arnolds Park Amusement Park

• DNR Fish Hatchery – 122 252^nd Avenue - Orleans

           2009 Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer Program Instructions  CLICK HERE

           2009 Boat Ramp Report Form  CLICK HERE

2009 Volunteer Training

The DNR Fisheries Bureau will provide live training at this dates and time:

• Saturday, June 20th    Spirit Lake Expo Building      9 AM

New for this year – we also have an Iowa Great Lakes boat ramp volunteer training DVD so it is not necessary to attend one of the live training sessions. If you were a volunteer last summer this new DVD might be a good way to brush up on your boat ramp skills.

        View the 2009 AIS Boat Ramp Volunteer Training Video  12:31

                         PART 1  CLICK HERE                PART 2  CLICK HERE

AIS Information Takes To the Air - new for 2010

Communicating Aquatic Invasive Species information to boaters coming into the Iowa Great Lakes area has been a challenge. Many boaters are visiting our chain of lakes for the first time or only visit our lakes once a year. It is important that we communicate that boaters should drain, inspect, and clean their boats and trailers before launching, since we do not have Aquatic Invasive Species now.

Beginning this spring the DNR will initiate an Information Radio System to inform boaters about the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species. You may have encountered these stations at airports, tourist attractions, and for road construction. The new radio system has been licensed of operate at 1640 KHz. on the AM broadcast radio band.

The Iowa and Dickinson County Highway Departments have agreed to install roadway information signs this spring to alert boaters to this new AIS radio broadcast. Funding for this new broadcast system is being provided by the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission.

AIS Volunteer Lake Coordinators

Each lake protective association has appointed a Lake Coordinator to coordinate the volunteers with the boat ramps and a time schedule for their respective lakes.

Volunteers should schedule their time a Lake Coordinators so their time is reflected on this webpage. This Internet scheduling is how we avoid having too many volunteers at one boat ramp and none at another boat ramp. Highway 9 and Emerson Bay are two boat ramps - that during busy periods - need more than one volunteer. 

If you are unable to contact your Lake Coordinator you can contact the Water Safety Council by sending an email to watersafety@watersafetycouncil.org with your name and contact information.

BOAT RAMP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES

     East Okoboji & Lower Lakes   CLICK HERE

     West Okoboji   CLICK HERE

     Spirit Lake   CLICK HERE

Boaters should follow a simple set of procedures each time when leaving the water:

• Remove any visible plants, fish, or animals before transporting equipment

• Drain water from all equipment (motor, livewell, bilge, transom well) before transporting

• Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, boots, clothing, dogs).

• Before moving to another waterbody either:

• Rinse your boat and equipment with hot (104 degree) water; or

• Spray your boat and trailer with a high pressure water at a car wash; or

• Dry your boat and equipment for at least 5 days

• Never release plants, fish, or animals into a waterbody unless they came out of that waterbody. Empty unwanted bait in the trash

• Learn to identify aquatic invasive species. Report any suspected infestations to the nearest DNR fisheries station.

If a boat, motor, trailer, live well, etc. have been out of the water for a considerable length of time  (Five days minimum – ten days better) any AIS should have died. To be sure, everything should be washed with hot water and allowed to dry before entering the lake.

It is illegal in Iowa to:                                                                                   

1. Transport Aquatic Invasive Species on a public road.

2. Place a trailer or launch a watercraft with Aquatic Invasive Species attached in public waters.

3. Operate a watercraft in a marked Aquatic Invasive Species area.

4. The penalty for violating this law is a $500 fine plus costs.

According to Iowa law, the DNR may prohibit boating, fishing, swimming, and trapping in infested bodies of water.

• Pesky Mussels Lake Rathbun - Des Moines Register article Nov. 5, 2007  Click Here

• Pesky Invaders - Des Moines Register article April 1, 2007  Click Here

• 2006 Aquatic Invasive Species Program Final Report  Click Here

• Officers Educate Boaters - Sioux City Journal article May 27, 2006  Click Here

For More Information on Aquatic Invasive Species.............

See websites  www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/exotics/exotics.html     and      

For the Iowa DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Brochure - click on  http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/exotics/2006brochure.pdf

Also see U.S. Environmental Protection website:  www.epa.gov/otaq/boat-fs.htm

     Click here  www.protectyourwaters.net