Florence County Land Conservation Department

Aquatic Invasive Species

Program

To subscribe to the Florence County Aquatic Invasive Species email list,

email myadro@co.florence.wi.us with "subscribe" in the subject line.

Florence County Aquatic Invasive Species Distribution

Currently Florence County has established populations of the following aquatic invasive species:

Tracking populations of aquatic invasive species is crucial to effectively manage aquatic invasive species within Florence County. To know where each of these species are found within Florence County, please review the Florence County Aquatic Invasive Species Distribution table below. If you know of any other populations of aquatic invasive species that are not documented within this table, please contact our department at (715) 528-5940.

Zebra Mussel response plan

Following the discovery of zebra mussels in Keyes Lake during the fall of 2010, the Florence County Land Conservation Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initiated a course of action to communicate the implications of the presence of zebra mussels within Keyes Lake. This cooperative effort spawned a project encompassing the entire Menominee River Watershed in an effort to prevent the spread of zebra mussels into new bodies of water through education and public outreach. This project was approved for funding by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the spring of 2011, with Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council serving as the project sponsor. Dean Premo of White Water Associates has been appointed the project coordinator, and developed the project proposal, titled "An Integrated Education, Planning, and Research Approach to Zebra Mussels (Florence County, Wisconsin) and the Menominee River Watershed" which governs the project activities. The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition has been tasked with performing the education and response component of this project, which involves activities such as hosting educational workshops, preparing news releases, and coordinating volunteer efforts.

Although zebra mussels are new to Florence County, they have become established in lakes and rivers throughout the Menominee River Watershed during the past few decades. With zebra mussel populations (see map below) well distributed throughout the region, land managers and citizens must become aware of the potential for new populations to become established, and should always perform the necessary disinfection protocols when utilizing boating and other water recreation equipment in multiple bodies of water.

WDNR grant awards - fall 2010

Lake Management Planning Grant Priority List

Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Priority List

wDNR Water guard program

The Water Guard program is an important element in combating the spreading of aquatic invasive species. The 2010 DNR Water guard newsletter (2 MB) provides background information on the program, it's goals, and introduces the 2010 Water Guards.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Aquatic Invasive Species Links:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Aquatic Invasive Species

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

Clean Boats, Clean Waters

River Alliance of Wisconsin - Invasive Species

Protect Your Waters and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign

US Geological Survey Non-indigenous Aquatic Species

Wisconsin Association of Lakes - Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic Invasive Species Songs

Florence County Lake Associations:

Florence County Lakes and Rivers Association