Aquatic Invasive Species

Detrimental invasive species have been repeatedly introduced to these lakes -- carp, zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, and others -- and hundreds of potential aquatic invasive species inhabit the Great Lakes, a short distance downstream or via trailer.

The Lakes Council has embarked on a major project to improve education, prevention, and planning for management and control of aquatic invasive species in the Winnebago Pool. In April 2006, a $75,000 Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant was awarded by the DNR to the Winnebago County UW- Extension for work to be carried out by the Council and UW-Oshkosh.

Specific project activities will include:

1. strategic planning on prevention and control measures
2. initiation of proven public education programs
3. scientific studies of current infestations and risk from potential invaders
4. outreach to distribute educational materials and work with teachers

The grant makes it possible for the Lakes Council to hire a coordinator for strategic planning with groups, businesses, government and citizens.

The strategic planning effort has made a great deal of progress (see the regular updates provided in the Council Newsletters). We wish to make some of the documents resulting from those public meetings available for downloading here:

Flyer announcing the public meetings (download pdf).

Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan for the Winnebago Pool Lakes -- July 2008 Draft (download pdf).

The Strategic Planning continues, weighing the comments provided by the public as well as professionals and policymakers around the lakes. The Council is pursuing funding to continue this effort. The Lakes Council will also be involved in recruiting and training volunteers for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspection program and for AIS monitoring of our lakes, and will play the lead role in outreach and communication.

For more information about Aquatic Invasive Species contact us.