Aitkin County 2015 AIS Prioritization

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are aquatic plants and animals that are not native to Minnesota, and cause environmental changes to our waters, have negative economic consequences to our communities, or are harmful to human health. Minnesota's natural resources are threatened by a number of Aquatic Invasive Species such as Zebra mussels, Flowering rush, Eurasian watermilfoil and Asian carp. Invasive species are usually spread by humans. Zebra mussels are particularly harmful because they spread so rapidly and there are currently no effective treatment options. They attach to hard surfaces such as boats, docks, boat lifts, aquatic plants, and water intake pipes, and can clog pipes, cut feet, and damage boats. Zebra mussels have a large economic impact to water treatment facilities, lakeshore owners, lake recreators, and the tourism industry. Zebra mussels also affect the aquatic ecosystem by filtering out microscopic plankton from the water, and therefore removing the food source for other aquatic organisms. This has implications up the food chain, such as affecting fish populations.