Monitoring Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring involves searching the lake for aquatic invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, and others. The frequency that volunteers perform AIS monitoring varies, but most volunteers do this a few times per year. Most volunteers conduct AIS monitoring in high-risk sites around their lakes (like boat landings) to detect early populations of AIS. Early detection of AIS is crucial for effective, inexpensive management, so these volunteers are incredibly valuable.
How to Monitor Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) How-to Video
Want to know how to monitor aquatic invasive species on a waterbody near you? Check out this great how-to video!
Zebra Mussel Monitoring How-to Video
Want to know how to monitor zebra mussels on a waterbody near you? Check out this great how-to video!
Starry Stonewort Identification Video
Want to learn how to identify starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) and distinguish it from several look-alike species? Check out this great identification video!
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Training Materials
Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detector Handbook
You can buy a copy of this spiral-bound handbook from our bookstore (for your security, you will be asked to create a login/password before purchasing from our bookstore – if your shipping address differs from your billing address, please let us know via email at lakes@uwsp.edu).
Zebra Mussel Monitoring Protocols
The Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network uses two protocols to monitor zebra mussels in inland lakes of Wisconsin. At this time, quagga mussels do not occur in inland waters, but the same protocols can be used to monitor for quagga mussels as well.
Zebra & Quagga Mussel Substrate Sampler Instructions
You can view or print this labeled image of a substrate sampler, which includes materials and measurements.
CLMN-AIS Monitoring Forms
Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring (Form 3200-133)
This form was designed to help detect new invasive species on your lake, so DNR can be alerted and lake residents and/or
professionals can respond appropriately
Aquatic Invasive Species Incident Report
The purpose of this form is to notify DNR of a new populations of AIS. Only use if you found an aquatic invasive species where it hasn’t been found previously. (NOTE: this file should be downloaded first and then opened. Opening it directly from this page may cause a readability error)
Zebra Mussel Quantitative Report
The purpose of this form is to track the abundance of adult zebra or quagga mussels in lakes where larvae or adults have previously been detected during AIS surveillance monitoring. A report should be completed for each sampler deployed.
Large-form ID Sheets
These two-sided sheets show scans of actual aquatic invasive plants with identification features one one side and more information on the back.
AIS Fact Sheets
Want to learn about individual aquatic invasive species (AIS)? These handy one-page fact sheets will give you a quick overview of each species including a description, distribution, impacts, and control options.
For more information about the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network contact:
Paul Skawinski, CLMN Statewide Educator
(715) 346-4853 or paul.skawinski@uwsp.edu
Need Help with My Wisconsin ID, SWIMS navigation, or Report Viewing?
LakesSupport@uwsp.edu
Extension Lakes
College of Natural Resouces, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
800 Reserve St. Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
Phone: 715-346-2116
Direct comments to lakes@uwsp.edu