AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES - AIS
Take the Pledge:

I will always take these required steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS):

Clean my boat and gear to remove plants and prohibited invasive species.
Drain all water and leave plugs out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.

I will take these additional steps to reduce the risk of spreading AIS whenever possible:

Decontaminate my equipment – find free stations at mndnr.gov/decon.
Spray my equipment with high-pressure water or rinse it with very hot water
(120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).
Dry my boat and gear for five days before using in another water body.

Zebra Mussels Update - Lotus Lake

In the fall of 2019 a boat lift was discovered on Lotus Lake Shoreline with dead zebra mussels. Zebra Mussel eDNA was also found in three different locations in the lake.

(ZM eDNA can come from ZM larva, ballast water or dead zebra mussels)

To be clear: NO LIVE ZEBRA MUSSELS HAVE EVER BEEN FOUND IN LOTUS LAKE!

LOTUS LAKE - AIS

Eurasian Watermilfoil
Common Carp
Curly-Leaf Pondweed
Brittle - Naiad

MN DNR

Minnesota has several state laws intended to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive species of wild animal and aquatic plants in the state. Using a four-tiered system, invasive species are classified as prohibited, regulated, unregulated nonnative species, or are unclassified and remain as unlisted nonnative species.

This classification system establishes the level of regulation and allowable uses for each species. The MN DNR has regulatory authority over aquatic plants and animals, and terrestrial vertebrates. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has regulatory authority over terrestrial plants (noxious weeds) and plant pests. See the terrestrial invasive species laws web page for more information.

Below is a summary of several current state regulations regarding invasive species. For complete information on state statutes and rules regarding invasive species, call the DNR Invasive Species Program at 651-259-5100, or view the invasive species statutes opens in a new browser tab and rules opens in a new browser tab at the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.