Aquatic Invasive Species Program (AIS)

Program Overview

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are plants, animals, and algae that are not native to the local ecosystem and cause ecological and economic harm. Because AIS are not a part of our native ecosystem, when introduced, they can begin to outcompete and take over. Here in northern Minnesota, our lakes and rivers support our local economies and are vital to our community. Thus, protecting and preserving these resources is crucial. Hubbard County has been very proactive in AIS prevention over the years. The local community is very involved and supportive of the Program. The AIS Program is an education program committed to educating both visitors and locals about AIS best management practices. To best achieve this task, the AIS Program engages the public through community outreach, watercraft inspections, and decontaminations.

Community Outreach

The AIS Program’s primary focus is on educating the local community and its visitors about AIS and prevention practices. Building strong relationships with local resorts, bait shops, radio stations, and newspapers is crucial. We partner will local businesses to distribute educational AIS guides, and local radio stations and newspapers to distribute public service announcements and other related educational messages. AIS prevention involves all public water users, and it is the resource user's responsibility to limit the spread of AIS by using best management practices.

Watercraft Inspections

The AIS Program has a Delegation Agreement with the State of Minnesota that authorizes Hubbard County to conduct watercraft inspections at public water accesses. Our AIS inspectors are contracted employees who are MN DNR certified and trained Level I Watercraft Inspectors. These inspectors work with boaters to educate them on AIS prevention methods and best management practices around the public access. In addition to education, our Level 1 Inspectors have the legal authority to deny launch of a watercraft if there is AIS attached or verified water on board that cannot be drained. These inspections are painless and usually take less than a few minutes.

Watercraft Inspection Schedule 2024

Watercraft Decontamination

The final piece to the AIS Program is watercraft decontamination. The Watercraft Decontamination Station is a free service provided by Hubbard County. Decontamination is an important step in preventing the spread of AIS. The Decontamination Station is staffed by MN DNR trained and certified Level II Watercraft Inspectors. The decontamination process consists of three possible components; hand removal, hot water treatment, and high-pressure treatment. If there are plants or mussels attached to a boat, they can be removed by hand or with high-pressure water. Any organisms that may be too small to see can be killed by flushing with hot water 100-140° F.

News & Updates

Invasive algae starry stonewort confirmed in Long Lake
August 24, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of starry stonewort in Long Lake, near Park Rapids in Hubbard County. An aquatic vegetation survey company hired by the Long Lake Association discovered a small patch off the southern public access. Always remember to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft every time you launch and leave a public access. For more information regarding starry stonewort and other AIS, please visit the MN DNR AIS Webpage.

Watercraft Decontamination Station New Phone Number

The Hubbard County Watercraft Decontamination Station located at 812 Henrietta Ave. Park Rapids has a new phone number as of July 1, 2023! The Decon Station is a free service that operates on-call 7 days a week from 10 AM - 6 PM. Call ahead for an appointment at 218-616-1631.

Zebra mussels confirmed in Lake Plantagenet

June 29, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Plantagenet, near Nary in Hubbard County. DNR invasive species specialists, following up on a report of zebra mussels, found adult mussels in three areas of the lake. For more information regarding zebra mussels and other AIS, please visit the MN DNR AIS Webpage.