Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Discovery and Identification
Water Sample Collection for eDNA Early Detection
Mechanical and Chemical Management
Provide Products for Surveillance
Goal: Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
In Minnesota, we love our lakes. They are a large part of our cultural identity and beloved recreational activities. But our lakes are being overrun by a host of invasive species that are negatively impacting our native fish and plants, water quality, and recreation ability. Invasive species like Asian carp and zebra mussels are drastically reducing the amount of food available to our native bluegill, walleye, and bass populations. Asian Carp can also contribute to pollutant loading and decreased water clarity. Eurasian milfoil is choking waterways and impacting boats and swimmers. Faucet snails introduce parasites to our waterfowl that cause hemorrhaging that eventually kills the birds. We can all limit the spread by cleaning and draining our boats and watercraft, especially when moving from one water body to another.
Helping You
At Rock Leaf Water, we provide services for the early detection and treatment of AIS. Earlier detection of invasions can better our chances of limiting degradation. We can provide early detection, monitoring, and mapping of AIS for clients by using tools like zebra mussel samplers and eDNA sampling. eDNA sampling analyzes collected water samples for DNA that is shed from the target organism(s). This helps detect small populations of the organisms early. Finding these organisms can help stop the spread, alert the DNR, and prepare the area for treatment.
AIS species we identify, detect, and/or treat include:
Banded Mystery Snail (Vivaparus georgianus)
Chinese Mystery Snail ( Cipangopaludina chinesis)
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
Curly-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Aisan Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Faucet Snail (Bithynia tentaculata)
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)
Starry Stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa)
Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)