Lake lovers hope to keep invasive species at bay

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Cedar Lake in northern St. Croix County and southern Polk County has avoided the introduction of invasive aquatic plants so far.

A survey of the lake, conducted by the Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center of Fall Creek last fall failed to turn up evidence of any such unwanted vegetation.

Lakeshore owners and recreational users of the lake want to keep it that way.

They also want landowners and boaters from nearby lakes to keep their waterways clean.

That's why the Cedar Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District is hosting a three-hour training session on the topic of invasive species on Saturday, March 20.

The session will be held at the Star Prairie Community Center starting at 9 a.m.

People interested in learning about aquatic invasive species identification and control are welcome to attend.

"The intention is to sharpen everyone's awareness on the topic so people can do a better job of identifying the plants that may be brought in from other places," said Bob Goodlad, chairman of the district.

On any given weekend, 20 percent to 30 percent of the boats on Cedar Lake are operated by people from Minnesota, Goodlad estimated.

Because invasive plants could be "hitchhiking" on boats from other areas, Goodlad said the hope is that education will stop the spread into Cedar Lake and surrounding lakes.

"It's a project directly aimed at Cedar Lake, but anybody who is a recreational water user should be interested," Goodlad said. "I hope we have a good turnout."

The training session is part of the "Clean Boats, Clean Waters" offered by the Beaver Creek organization.

The goal is to raise awareness about how to prevent the spread the spread of invasive species, like curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil and purple loosestrife.

Living invasive species are also a concern, such as Chinese and banded mystery snails and rusty crayfish.

The training is also intended to encourage volunteers to help boaters inspect their boats for plant fragments or other species at boat landings prior to putting the water craft in a lake.

The program, conducted by Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center staff, is made possible due to a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

A staff intern from the science center spent time at the Cedar Lake public access last summer to help inspect boats. The hope is that boaters who use the lake will now be able to take over the

inspection chores, thanks to a little added training.

For more information, contact Goodlad at 715-248- 7672 or e-mail him at rgood lad@frontiernet.net .

Tags: outdoors, fishing, environment, wisconsin