Protect Water Resources & Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!

Hennepin County is a unique urban area. With 200 lakes, 640 miles of streams, three major rivers, 45,000 acres of wetlands and 50 public water accesses, there are so many opportunities to enjoy being on and around water.

Aquatic invasive species don’t usually enter lakes, rivers, and streams on their own, people help transport them. In some cases, it only takes one individual organism, such as a small plant fragment, to result in an infestation. An infestation can be devastating for lake recreation and aquatic life and can cost a lot of money to manage. Aquatic invasive species can be introduced directly, like through the dumping of a fish tank into a stream, or hitchhike on different surfaces, like boats, docks, live wells and more.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species takes everyone, including people fishing, boating, kayaking, or sailing, those who live on lakes, and those with aquariums or ponds, to help keep our lakes

clean and healthy. That’s why Hennepin County is encouraging anyone who enjoys our lakes to sign up for Lake Pledge at https://www.lakepledge.com.

If you are using a watercraft, remember to clean off any plants, animals and mud, drain any water-containing devices, dry everything, and dispose of unwanted bait in a designated area or the trash. Don’t forget to trim your boat motor down or run your personal watercraft engine for a few seconds to discharge that last bit of water before leaving a water access.

If you have been on a lake for 24 hours or more, clean your boat at a decontamination station before entering another lake. Three Rivers Park District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have hot water decontaminations stations available in Hennepin County.

For More Information Visit: https://www.westmetrowateralliance.org