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Big Sandy Lake Association's annual Love Your Lake brunch is coming up on Saturday, May 3rd 9:00am at Minnesota National, RSVP to inbox@bslamn.org
To Report a Possible AIS Infestation:
If you suspect a new infestation of an aquatic plant or animal, note the exact location (GPS coordinates if available), take a photo or keep a sample, and contact the region AIS specialist: Richard Rezanka, 218-328-8821, richard.rezanka@state.mn.us
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants or animals that are introduced into the region, usually by humans. They can cause extensive environmental damage to the lake by replacing the species that are needed by the native fish and wildlife.
Zebra Mussel infested boat caught at inspection:
Careful inspection at the boat launch off Highway 65 prevented a major infestation of Zebra Mussels in Big Sandy Lake in 2015.
Boat Launch Inspections:
Each year, the MN Legislature appropriates $10M to counties and watersheds to combat the cost of AIS prevention. Aitkin County receives approximately $225K from that grant and Big Sandy receives approximately $45K in the form of weekend boat launch inspectors and other AIS outreach activities. Here are the results of those boat launch inspections. In general, the compliance rate is improving year over year as boaters become more educated to the ways that AIS can be transferred from lake to lake.
Aitkin County is always in need of additional boat launch inspectors, this is a paid position, ideal for people who enjoy being outdoors. If interested, please reach out to Aitkin County Soil & Water Conservation
Zebra Mussel Early Detection Monitoring:
BSLA has a Zebra Mussel Early Detection program. Each summer, detection gauges are installed at various sites around the lake and are inspected regularly by volunteers for signs of zebra mussels. We are looking for additional sites around the lake and in the tributaries, if you are interested please reach out to BSLA via the contact us page.
Zebra Mussel Veliger Sampling:
Each summer BSLA participates with several other county lakes to sample water for the presence of zebra mussel veligers, the larvae state of this AIS. While in the veliger state, the zebra mussels float around the lake, spreading the infestation. A positive result in this water sample would be evidence that the lake contained a reproducing population of zebra mussels.
Veliger sampling has been conducted annually on Big Sandy since 2016, with negative results each year.
DNR Clean, Drain, Dry Initiative:
Clean, Drain, Dry informational video from the MN DNR
Permitted Lake Service Providers:
An individual who or entity that: rents, decontaminates, installs, or removes water-related equipment or structures into or from waters of the state for hire or as a service are required to train for AIS detection, please make sure the people you hire are AIS-certified lake service providers per the DNR web site.
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