Aquatic Invasive Species that are an immediate threat to the Iowa Great Lakes are Eurasian watermilfoil, brittle naiad, and zebra mussels. The first two are aquatic plants that have found their way into Iowa and have infested lakes within 35 miles of the Iowa Great Lakes (Mill Creek and Dog Creek Lake in O'Brien County). These plants can quickly grow out of control and create undesirable conditions for boating, angling, and swimming.

Zebra mussels are small clams that attach to any hard surface. When introduced to lakes and rivers, they can quickly colonize and attach to docks and hoists. They have sharp edges that can cut swimmers feet and can clog the lake water intake pipes that supply our drinking water. Five years ago, a few zebra mussels were found in Clear Lake. Today, Clear Lake docks and hoists are covered with zebra mussels and their population continues to grow.

For the past four summers, three DNR Water Patrol Officers have been stationed at Iowa Great Lakes boat ramps every day 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 twelve major boat ramps and only three officers, we were severely limited in our boat ramp coverage. Last summer a DNR Fisheries Bureau intern was added to help educate boaters to the threat we face from Aquatic Invasive Species, and this summer there will be three Fisheries Bureau interns assigned to the Iowa Great Lakes.

Last summer Boater Maps were introduced for East Okoboji and the Lower Lakes, West Okoboji, and Spirit Lake. The DNR developed 3D lake depth maps that include the location of marinas, gas docks, hazard buoy locations, and other lake features. On the back of the map is an Aquatic Invasive Species message with a map of car wash locations with a high-pressure hose for cleaning boats.

Communicating Aquatic Invasive Species information to boaters coming into the Iowa Great Lakes area has been a challenge. Many boaters are visiting the area for the first time or only visit once a year. This spring the Iowa Department of Natural Resources activated an Information Radio System to inform boaters about the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species. The new radio system has been licensed to operate at 1640 KHz. on the AM band and can be heard by drivers coming into the area. The Iowa and Dickinson County Highway Departments have installed roadway information signs to alert boaters to this new AIS radio broadcast.

Educating and inspecting boats is hardly a waste of time. The level of awareness and diligence of boaters has improved dramatically in recent years. Many boaters are very aware of the threat of AIS and ways to prevent their spread. We need to remain diligent by educating boaters who are still unaware of the threat they may be carrying on their boat or trailer.

To probe further

Check the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council website www.watersafetycouncil.org ˇV click on Aquatic Invasive Species. For specific questions contact DNR Biologist Mike Hawkins in Spirit Lake at 712-336-1840 X116 email: michael.hawkins@dnr.iowa.gov

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Boat Ramp Volunteer Program

For the last two summers the lakes area has had a program for volunteers to assist the DNR at major boat ramps on busy weekends and holidays. Volunteers were asked to work a two hour shift each month through the summer. Some volunteers chose to donate even more time to the cause. Volunteers helped boat owners inspect their boat to and took the time to educate them about aquatic invasive species.

2010 Volunteer Equipment

A boat ramp volunteer is provided an orange vest to identify them as a DNR Volunteer, a clipboard, training DVD, Boaterˇ*s Maps, and trailer stickers. The equipment can be obtained from

2010 Volunteer Training

It is not necessary to attend one of the live training sessions. An AIS training DVD is available at the DNR Fish Hatchery or the Maritime Museum and provides all the information you will need. If you were a volunteer last summer the DVD might be a good way to brush up on your boat ramp skills.

How to Volunteer 1,2,3

1. Contact your Lake Coordinator to provide your name and contact information

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

3. When you have time available ˇV contact your Lake Coordinator to advise them of the boat ramp and time you will be there.

2010 AIS LAKE COORDINATORS

West Okoboji

Rhonda Thornton & Emily Schaefer ˇV 337-8038 Email emilyschaefer@hotmail.com

East Okoboji & Lower Lakes

Austin Jones - cell 319/ 331-8396 Email jonesaah@uni.edu

Spirit Lake

Martha Chozen ˇV 336-4292 Email chozen1@mchsi.com

Kim Stroud - cell 515/ 221-9409 Email stroudone@mchsi.com