Round Goby Invade Inland Streams: A Look at the Current and Projected Distribution of this Species in Wisconsin Waters

At least 180 aquatic invasive species call the Laurentian (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario) Great Lakes home. Of these 180 species, the round goby has been one of the most rapidly growing invasives along the coastal Great Lakes in the past decade. This poster looks at research findings of the round goby, typically known as a large lake species, found in small stream, river, and watershed systems, suggesting that the Great Lakes are not only a catch basin of AIS, but also a source population to inland systems.

Presenters: Matthew S. Kornis and Jake Vander Zanden, University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology

Practical, Large-scale Rearing Methods for Milfoil Weevils

Is your lake association looking for a chemical-free, long-term, affordable solution to stopping the spread of Eurasian water-milfoil? The native milfoil weevil, which feeds exclusively on milfoil species, may be your answer. This poster presentation provides the results of rearing weevils in three types of outdoor, predator-free chambers from June to August that can be implemented by lake associations.

Presenter: Amy Thorstenson, UW-Stevens Point

A Novel Application of Molecular Genetic Tools for Aquatic Invasive Species Surveillance.

One of the essential elements to invasive species management is early detection and rapid response to the invasive’s presence. However, no effective rapid response is possible without early detection. It is necessary for invasives to be detected while they are still vulnerable to contamination, control, or eradication. This presentation focuses on a new technology to detect invasives through DNA samples collected from filtered waters.

Presenter: Andrew R. Mahon Center for Aquatic Conservation, University of Notre Dame

Five County Aquatic Invasive Species Survey

Is your lake association or organization interested in conducting a survey of aquatic invasive species? Are you interested in finding out what invasive species are present in the lakes of Barron, Dunn, Rusk, Eau Claire, or Chippewa counties? If so, make sure to stop by the poster presentation that provides AIS statistical information from 125 lakes that have public boat launch access in these areas.

Presenters: Anna Brady and Sarah Braun, Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center

Citizen Perceptions and Reactions to Aquatic Invasive Species on the Pike Lake Chain of Lakes, Bayfield County

The Pike Chain System is a valuable northern Wisconsin resource for residents and visitors, but is under attack from aquatic invasive species that threaten the long term ecological and economic health of the region. This poster presentation focuses on the human aspect of AIS, which includes citizen perceptions and reactions to species such as Eurasian water milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, rusty crayfish, and zebra mussels.

Presenter: Patrick Goggin, UW-Extension Lakes

Distribution and Impacts of the Chinese Mystery Snail in Wisconsin lakes

If the distribution and potential impacts of lesser known aquatic invasive species seem like a mystery, be sure to stop by this poster presentation, which studies the effects of the Chinese mystery snail. This snail has been found in water bodies across Wisconsin, especially in surveyed lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. This snail has the possibility of reducing the growth of some native snail species and altering nutrient cycles.

Presenter: Chris Solomon, University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology

Lake Wingra Aquatic Invasive Demonstration Project

While chemical, mechanical, and hand-pulling methods of aquatic invasive species removal have been useful and popular, this poster presentation offers a glimpse of a more natural approach: the common carp. A study on the introduction of carp to Lake Wingra suggests that carp activity suppresses invasive and native aquatic plants, with the possibility of a native species resurgence following a suppression of carp activity.

Presenter: David Liebl, UW-Extension

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Management Control Strategies

Controlling Wisconsin's First Hydrilla Infestation, Marinette County, Wisconsin

One of the most feared aquatic invasive species, hydrilla, was recently found in a private Marinette County pond. State and federal agency staff combined efforts with Marinette County and the pond’s landowners to eradicate hydrilla from the pond. This poster will explore what was done at the site, as well as a discussion on what was learned from the effort and recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences.

Presenter: Marinette County Land and Water Conservation Department

2,4-D Residual Monitoring Project - Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes, Vilas Co

A common method in managing and controlling Eurasian water-milfoil and other aquatic invasive plant species is chemical herbicide treatment. However, the use of chemicals has initiated a growing concern over the potential overuse of chemicals in our waterways and begs the question of how long these chemicals remain in our lakes. This poster presentation highlights results found after water samples were collected from the Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes that had been treated with chemicals.

Presenter: Brian Bailey, UW-Stevens Point and Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission

Neighborhood Watch - Volunteer EWM Monitoring

Citizen and neighborhood involvement in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is a helpful and beneficial program for lakes affected by aquatic invasives. The lake association from Lake Wissota in Chippewa County presents their own citizen involvement and volunteer program description, including what management techniques were used and the benefits of volunteer assistance.

Presenter: Mary Jo Fleming Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association

Assessment of Whole-Lake Herbicide Treatment as a Management Strategy for Controlling Curly-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton Crispus) in Minnesota Lakes

Are you concerned about curly-leaf pondweed or are experiencing an infestation of it in your lake? Visit this poster presentation to find out the results of a management strategy study. This study evaluates the use of early-season whole-lake herbicide treatments on six affected Minnesota lakes.

Presenters: James Johnson and Raymond Newman University of Minnesota

Creating a Biological Control Program for Purple Loosestrife

Wisconsin DNR began placing biocontrol insects for purple loosestrife in the state in 1994. The program started with release at a few sites, carefully monitored to be sure of project safety and efficacy, then blossomed into a statewide management effort by hundreds of citizen groups to raise and release control insects for their local loosestrife infestations. Millions of control insects have been released at over a thousand sites with great initial results. At this poster session you will learn about the early research, the biocontrol process, and the work with citizens.

Presenter: Brock Woods, Wisconsin Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Program Manager

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Case Studies

The Legend Lake Eurasian water-milfoil Adaptive Management Program: Lessons Learned From the Largest Milfoil treatment in the State of Wisconsin

The Menominee Indian Reservation in northeast Wisconsin is host to the Legend Lake System, which is comprised of nine interconnected lake basins totaling over 1200 acres. Eurasian water-milfoil (EWM) was first found in the Legend Lake System in 2002 and by 2007, the plant had been found in over 800 acres of the System. To control the spread of this invasive, the Legend Lake EWM Adaptive Management Program was initiated in 2005. This poster presentation will summarize the results of the project and cite associated studies. It will also identify the elements of a successful EWM management program.

Presenters: Chad Cason, Cason & Associates, LLC and   Peter Harris, Aecom

Trends in Boater Behaviors from 2004-2008 Watercraft Inspection Data

Since 2004, more than 1,100 volunteers have been trained at Clean Boats, Clean Waters workshops to conduct watercraft inspections at boat landings throughout Wisconsin. These volunteers, along with paid staff, collect data concerning the actions of boaters and anglers to share information about how to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. If you are interested in the trends and behaviors of citizens who are using Wisconsin’s boat landings, check out this poster presentation!

Presenter: Erin Henegar, UW-Extension Lakes

Biomanipulation and Paleolimnology as Management and Assessment Techniques for Shallow Lakes

An emerging science in Wisconsin is the assessment and management of shallow lakes (maximum depth less than 20 feet). Case studies have been done on lakes in Dodge County and Polk County to illustrate shallow lake ecology and two important assessment and management techniques for shallow lakes. This presentation will give you an informative look at a budding scientific field.

Presenters: Dwight Osmon, Hey and Associates Inc. and Jeremy Williamson, Polk County Land and Water Resources Department

The Hydraulic Conveyor System: Assisting Hand Removal of Eurasian Watermilfoil on Tomahawk Lake, Oneida County

In 2008, the Tomahawk Lake Association received a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources AIS Control Grant to fund a research and demonstration project focusing on the control of Eurasian water-milfoil. This poster presentation focuses on the implementation of a mechanical system that was used to aid in hand removal of the milfoil. It also outlines potential applications for future use of this mechanical system.

Presenters: Radley Watkins, Northern Environmental and Ned Greel;y, TLPOA, Inc

Fighting EWM on Legend Lake, Menominee

For several years, the property owners and lake protection and rehabilitation district have been fighting the spread of Eurasian water-milfoil on Legend Lake. This poster presentation will use dramatic maps to demonstrate EWM management results from both chemical treatments and aquatic plant harvesting.

Presenters: Wayne Towne, Legend Lake Protection and Rehab. District and Legend Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District Commissioners

Volunteer Monitors Patrol River Corridors for Invasive Species

With lakes getting so much attention, it’s important to remember the rivers of Wisconsin. Stop by this poster presentation to see how the River Alliance is working to raise awareness about the impacts of invasive species on our rivers and streams, as well as developing monitoring protocols for volunteers. The pilot project focuses mainly on training canoeists and kayakers to assist in the early detection of four invasive species along riverbanks throughout southern Wisconsin.

Presenter: Laura MacFarland, River Alliance of Wisconsin

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County/Local Strategies

Vilas County AIS Partnership - Town Lakes Committees

The Vilas County AIS Partnership has been successful since its conception four years ago thanks to its organizational structure, widespread public support and the creation of the Town Lakes Committees. Unique to Vilas County, these committees could be beneficial to other areas of the state. If you’re interested in knowing more about the Vilas County Town Lakes Committees and some of their accomplishments, stop by this poster presentation.

Presenter: Ted Ritter, Vilas County Land and Water Conservation

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Other

Tanker Trucks - An AIS Vector

Aquatic invasive species use many different modes of transportation, even hitching a ride in tanker trucks. Find out what Oneida County has done to prevent the spread of AIS via container trucks.

Presenter: Jennifer Holman, Oneida County

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