Managing Aquatic Invasive Species

Ten lakes in Meeker County have been identified over the years as containing aquatic invasive species. The latest species is spiny water flea which resembles a jelly-like blob.

Meeker County Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Ariana Richardson says aquatic invasive species are non-native plants, animals or pathogens that pose a risk to human, environmental or economic health. She says once a lake is invaded, it’s not likely to permanently eradicate it from a lake, but the hope is to manage it and prevent it from spreading to other lakes.

Richardson says there are 8 stations at various lakes around Meeker County where boaters can clean off their boats with various tools – which are meant to stay at those stations, and sometimes there are people there to assist you. She says boaters and anglers need to remember to inspect their crafts and remove any plants, pull their plug, dump bait water, and do not dump bait in the lake.