The open water season is right around the corner. Docks, boat lifts, rafts, and other water structures will soon be installed at a fast pace. Although this is an extremely busy time, it is still important to take special care whenever possible to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).
Lake service providers throughout the Northwoods should remember to properly clean and disinfect equipment before moving to another waterbody; inspect equipment for aquatic vegetation, mud, sand, mussels and snails; remove anything that may have been found and discard on shore, drain all excess water from equipment before transport, and dry the equipment when possible.
The Lincoln County Land Services Department also encourages a thorough inspection of the equipment being installed. It is important to note that some equipment, docks, boats, etc. are bought second hand. Therefore, these items may have been in a different waterbody recently and should be checked thoroughly.
For more information, contact Tom Boisvert, Conservation Program Manager, at 715.539.1054.