AIS Monitoring

AIS volunteer lake monitoring program

Why Volunteer:

  • Aquatic invasive species can only be controlled if we know where they are.
  • Surveys by Onterra LLC Lake Management Specialists and Discovery Center Woods and Water staff cannot be all places at all times.
  • Volunteers spotted the first Curly-leaf Pondweed and the first Eurasian Watermilfoil in our waters!!

Where:

  • All waters will benefit from volunteer monitoring.
  • Start with the waters that are near and dear to you or that you are familiar with.
  • Contact Discovery Center Woods and Water staff if you want to learn about other areas that may need monitoring.

When and How:

  • While enjoying time on the water in a boat or canoe, look for floating weeds you come upon.
  • When fishing, look at what you snag; check out your fishing line and anchor rope.
  • While wading the shallows, see what is growing around your feet.
  • When walking the shore, see what the wind or the waves have washed up.
  • Want to check out the deeper water? Learn how to throw a rake that is rigged for aquatic plant retrieval.

You Need Only:

  • A desire to help protect our waters.
  • Some time to spend. A few minutes here and there, or maybe some consolidated blocks of time—you choose.
  • A little knowledge: AIS identification trainings provided by the Discovery Center Woods and Water Staff or sponsored by the MWLA will provide you with the skills you need.
  • You do not need to be a property owner or resident to volunteer.

Have Questions?

Check Out A Volunteer Form:

I Want To Volunteer