The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ water guards and conservation wardens are holding regional checks in Lake Winnebago to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Three teams of water guards will be stationed at boat launches at Lakeside East in Fond du Lac, Menominee Park in Oshkosh and at Stockbridge Harbor from noon until 4:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11.
The water guards will have decontamination units to clean boats as they enter and leave Lake Winnebago. The decontamination units are powerful pressure washers that use water heated to 140 degrees to kill any invasive plants or animals that are attached to the boat and trailer.
Water guard Lyndie Guenther is serving as the coordinator for this group check.
“We want to be sure our customers on lakes and rivers understand the seriousness of (aquatic invasive species) and know what is necessary to protect Wisconsin’s waters,” she said.
Aquatic invasive species are non-native species like Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels that harm native species, outdoor recreation and local businesses while decreasing the economic value of the state’s water resources. These species often have a negative impact on Wisconsin’s fishing industry, which generates $2.75 billion annually and supports 30,000 jobs, according to a 2006 study commissioned by the DNR.
Contact Lyndie Guenther at 920-279-7432 or Diane Schauer at 920-849-1442, ext. 273, for more details. Source Fond du Lac Reporter
