AIS Species

Chinese Mystery Snail is ubiquitous in Big Sandy, these snails can die off in large quantities and wash up on shore.  The snails carry parasites that are toxic to humans and animals. (US distribution map)

Purple Loosestrife is found in wetland areas in and around Big Sandy (Big Sandy site map).  Purple loosestrife grows dense patches along shoreland areas making it difficult to access open water.

Flowering Rush was first identified on Big Sandy in 2008.  Infestations are located in Waban Bay and near the Libby Dam (Big Sandy site map).   Flowering Rush grows dense patches along shoreland areas making it difficult to access open water and competes with native plants, including wild rice.

Rusty Crayfish were first identified on Big Sandy in 2023.  They are destructive to native plants, including wild rice, and they can impact fish spawning beds. (US distribution map)

Zebra Mussels encrust boats and docks, damaging pumps and motors.  Their shells are sharp and can cut swimmer's feet.  They filter the water column and impact the food chain, impacting fish populations and size.  Zebra mussels are found in lakes within 45 minutes of Big Sandy, most popular lakes in MN are infested with Zebra Mussels, including Mille Lacs, Superior, Leech, Winne, etc. (US distribution map)

Eurasian WaterMilfoil grows dense weed pats on the water surface, impacting swimming and boating.  Eurasian watermilfoil outcompetes native plant species, including wild rice. Eurasian watermilfoil is found in many popular lakes in MN, the closest site to Big Sandy is French Lake. (US distribution map)

Starry Stonewort is a plant-like algae that grows dense mats on the water surface, impacting boaters and swimmers.  Starry Stonewort outcompetes native plant species, including wild rice. (US distribution map)

Spiny Waterflea is a microscopic zooplankton that feeds on native zooplankton, impacting the food chain and fish populations, as well as being a nuisiance to fishermen, clogging fishing pole eyelets.  Spiny waterflea can be introduced into a lake via ballast water, bait buckets, fishing gear, anchor ropes, and boat trailers.  Spiny waterflea is currently found in several northern MN lakes including Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, and Rainy Lake.  (US distribution map)

Bighead Silver Carp have been found in the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, this fish can disrupt the food chain by outcompeting native species for plankton, as well as pose a safety risk to boaters when they get startled by powerboat noises and jump out of the water.  (US distribution map)