Thoughts from our PresidentWelcome to 2025
Happy Winter, although it is feeling more like spring. I wouldn't be surprised to hear the loons on the lake soon. Last summer was like a roller coaster with all the rain in June and July, followed by a drought that is still continuing. We had some gorgeous Northern lights, several loon families, and even some bears around the lake. Our Lake Association Board planned several successful events and managed communication with lake residents. The same Board is in place in 2025 - Nancy Geiger, President; Mike Munos, Vice President; Pam Berhow, Secretary/Treasurer; and Martha Steele, Web Administrator. Past Presidents Bob Steele, Jon Auge, and Catherine McGoldrick have also volunteered time and effort on the Board, Events for 2025 - get these on your calendars! We'll get more information out to you prior to the events. Spring Social - Saturday, June 7 Boat Parade - Friday, July 4 Annual Meeting - Saturday, August 9 Last year I listed a few "resolutions" for our lake association - I think they are still applicable for 2025. - To maintain Bass Lake as a place where we can find peace and tranquility away from the chaos of modern life. It is even more important this year, as it seems like our country, state, and the world is in turmoil. I look forward to my time on Bass Lake to escape some of the pressure, and I envy those of you who live there year round. - To foster connections with our neighbors on the lake. We had over 25 people attend our social gathering at Mission Tavern in June, about 20 boats participated in the July 4th boat parade, and about 30 people came to the Annual Meeting in August. The Bass Lake Association Facebook page has been a great way to share beautiful photos (thanks especially to Julie Munos and Jeanne Carlson), ask for information, and share lake news. This website has been a central place to find information about the Lake Association and state/county work around lake health. Thanks so much to Martha Steele for maintaining the website and Facebook page. - To connect with local and state organizations that are committed to keeping our lakes and rivers clear and healthy. We continue our memberships in Minnesota Lakes and River (state) and Lakes and Rivers Association (county), and network with other lake associations in the area. This information is linked to our website. - To support efforts to keep Bass Lake free of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) through education and testing. Bass Lake remains free of AIS, although many lakes around us are contaminated. I hope that I will be able to write that again at the end of 2025! Thanks to Catherine McGoldrick for conducting the testing done on our lake. - To support efforts to maintain and increase the loon population in Minnesota and on Bass Lake. We were lucky to have two loon families on our lake last summer, as well as several other loons who visited regularly. After many summers when no chicks survived, each loon family had a chick that lived to migrate last fall. It is exciting to watch the development of the National Loon Center in Crosslake. I went on the "StewardShip" tours of Crosslake several times last summer and it was fascinating to hear about our state bird. Thanks to Catherine McGoldrick, Michael Blassey, and Paul Linder for volunteering to lead these tours. If you haven't taken one of these free tours, you can register on the National Loon Center website. If there are projects you'd like to see the Association get involved in, or if you would like to get involved yourself, please let us know. Here's to a wonderful summer at the Lake! Nancy Geiger, President 2/3/2025 By-Laws (Adopted 2010; Amended 2014, 2018 and 2021)
Treasurer Reports
2022 Memberships=25
2021 Memberships=30 2020 Memberships=30 2019 Memberships=30 2018 Memberships=30 2017 Memberships=30 2016 Memberships=27 2015 Memberships=32 2014 Memberships=28 2013 Memberships=26 2012 Memberships=29 2011 Memberships=19 2010 Memberships=23 Membership dues are $20.00 Interested in being a member? Complete the application below.
Upcoming EventsSpring Social - Saturday, June 7
Boat Parade - Friday, July 4 Annual Meeting - Saturday, August 9 Mission Township Park (Michael Blassey) The shelter is available to Mission Township residents for use by reservation. Contact town clerk, Naomi Scott, at 218-765-4377 Also, please call Michael if you have questions or issues about the trail system at (612) 240-7985 People spread Aquatic Invasive Species, people are the solution.
BLA Officers
President: Nancy Geiger Vice President: Michael Munos Secretary/Treasurer: Pam Berhow Website Administrator: Martha Steele Membership Signs
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Crow Wing County UpdatesErik Hidalgo
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| 2024__wrap_up_presentation.pdf |
| 2024_ais_season_report.pdf |
| 2025_ais_prevention_plan_final_doc.pdf |
| 2025_cwc_ais_prevention_plan_presentation.pdf |
| dnr_-_2024_presentation.pdf |
11/26/24
Changing wages - 1st year $18.50, 2nd year 19.25, 3rd $20.25, lead $21.25, $2 more an hour for decontamination trained staff.
Using Crosslake permanent station as a backup decon spot instead of being open all the time.
Increasing/Changing grant opportunities for lake associations and LIDS.
We want to give a thanks to all who have participated in efforts to help keep our lakes clean, worked with us at the county on several projects, and supported us through changes that have been made. We also are thankful for all the work and support from other counties. We keep in touch with local counties and bounce ideas off them, look for guidance, and work together to bring AIS awareness to boaters.
- 2025 AIS plan
- Proposed updates to our plan are:
Changing wages - 1st year $18.50, 2nd year 19.25, 3rd $20.25, lead $21.25, $2 more an hour for decontamination trained staff.
Using Crosslake permanent station as a backup decon spot instead of being open all the time.
Increasing/Changing grant opportunities for lake associations and LIDS.
- We have many different tools available for landowners to use to help protect our waters! Water is a focal point in Crow Wing County.
- Starry Stonewort
- Sharing a great write up on Starry. Rush Lake efforts mentioned at the bottom. A Decade of SS Exerpts Part 1.pdf - Google Drive
We want to give a thanks to all who have participated in efforts to help keep our lakes clean, worked with us at the county on several projects, and supported us through changes that have been made. We also are thankful for all the work and support from other counties. We keep in touch with local counties and bounce ideas off them, look for guidance, and work together to bring AIS awareness to boaters.
MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates
Joined in 2015.
Mission: To protect Minnesota's lake and river heritage for current and future generations by forging powerful links between lakes, lake advocates, and policy makers.
http://mnlakesandrivers.org/
From the MLR Team 2/6/25
As winter settles in and the legislative budget session begins, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) is starting to meet with lawmakers and mobilize our base of 300 lake association members. We're working alongside our partners to secure sustainable funding solutions and educate legislators on urgent issues like aquatic invasive species (AIS), shoreline erosion, boating safety, and support for lake associations and local governments to protect and preserve our waterways.
A strong, statewide network of dedicated lake stewards is essential to achieving lasting solutions. MLR's Citizen Action Network (CAN) tool makes it easier than ever for lake advocates to stay informed, contact representatives, and track legislation that impacts our lakes and rivers. Sign up to receive our CAN emails.
Whether you join as an individual MLR member, involve the lake association, or help spread the word, your support strengthens our efforts to make lasting impacts to protect and preserve Minnesota's legacy of natural resources.
As winter settles in and the legislative budget session begins, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) is starting to meet with lawmakers and mobilize our base of 300 lake association members. We're working alongside our partners to secure sustainable funding solutions and educate legislators on urgent issues like aquatic invasive species (AIS), shoreline erosion, boating safety, and support for lake associations and local governments to protect and preserve our waterways.
A strong, statewide network of dedicated lake stewards is essential to achieving lasting solutions. MLR's Citizen Action Network (CAN) tool makes it easier than ever for lake advocates to stay informed, contact representatives, and track legislation that impacts our lakes and rivers. Sign up to receive our CAN emails.
Whether you join as an individual MLR member, involve the lake association, or help spread the word, your support strengthens our efforts to make lasting impacts to protect and preserve Minnesota's legacy of natural resources.
2/6/25
New DNR licensing system coming in 2025
The MN DNR is launching a new electronic license system in spring 2025. The system will allow access to licenses, boat registrations, boater safety training, and harvest reporting (starting in March 2025, plain 8.5 x 11 paper licenses will still be available).
There is also a new boater safety training program that will begin implementation in July of 2025. The electronic licensing system will help boaters find, enroll in, and pay for safety courses, print certificates, and purchase licenses immediately upon certification.
Read more on the DNR's website.
Clean Water Council Launches Interactive Webpage
The Clean Water Council (CWC) was created under Minnesota's Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to guide the use of the Clean Water Fund. The CWC focuses on protecting groundwater, surface water, and drinking water through strategic investments and projects.
To present how these funds are being utilized to benefit Minnesotans, the CWC has created an interactive web page. The web page features an interactive map that allows users to explore specific initiatives funded by the Clean Water Fund in different regions of Minnesota.
Visit to learn more.
Join us at the third annual Southern Lakes Conference
MLR is excited to be speaking at The Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes 2025 Conference. We will be presenting on the importance of protecting natural shorelines and how to get involved in restoring your shore. We will also present on AIS initiatives and legislation to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders.
This event brings together experts, community leaders, and innovators to protect and enhance our regional lakes and waterways.
Join us in Mankato to shape the future of water resources in Minnesota's southern region.
Click here to learn more and register
New DNR licensing system coming in 2025
The MN DNR is launching a new electronic license system in spring 2025. The system will allow access to licenses, boat registrations, boater safety training, and harvest reporting (starting in March 2025, plain 8.5 x 11 paper licenses will still be available).
There is also a new boater safety training program that will begin implementation in July of 2025. The electronic licensing system will help boaters find, enroll in, and pay for safety courses, print certificates, and purchase licenses immediately upon certification.
Read more on the DNR's website.
Clean Water Council Launches Interactive Webpage
The Clean Water Council (CWC) was created under Minnesota's Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to guide the use of the Clean Water Fund. The CWC focuses on protecting groundwater, surface water, and drinking water through strategic investments and projects.
To present how these funds are being utilized to benefit Minnesotans, the CWC has created an interactive web page. The web page features an interactive map that allows users to explore specific initiatives funded by the Clean Water Fund in different regions of Minnesota.
Visit to learn more.
Join us at the third annual Southern Lakes Conference
MLR is excited to be speaking at The Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes 2025 Conference. We will be presenting on the importance of protecting natural shorelines and how to get involved in restoring your shore. We will also present on AIS initiatives and legislation to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders.
This event brings together experts, community leaders, and innovators to protect and enhance our regional lakes and waterways.
Join us in Mankato to shape the future of water resources in Minnesota's southern region.
Click here to learn more and register
1/24/25
Minnesota’s AIS Prevention Aid: A Decade of Success at Risk
Jeff Forester
Executive Director, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers:
For the last ten years, Minnesota has had one of the most innovative and cost effective Aquatic Invasive Species, AIS funding mechanisms in the nation, the County AIS Prevention Aid Formula.
Established in 2014 with the lobbying support of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, this program allocates $10 million annually to local governments, empowering them to implement targeted, science-based solutions to protect our lakes and rivers. Much of this funding has gone directly to Lake Associations as county grants that lake associations use to hire inspection hours, decontamination services, do AIS surveys, management and early detection work, install boat cleaning tools at the accesses, and fund AIS communication efforts.
However, the 2025 Governor’s budget recommendation proposes reducing this vital program by 50% and phasing it out entirely by 2029. Such cuts could significantly weaken our ability to prevent new AIS introductions, leading to increased long-term costs for lake associations, property owners, and local governments.
We are asking you to do two things to help us push back on this misguided budget cut:
Thank you for all you do on our lakes. In this role I am inspired seeing so many citizens taking an active role in protecting our lakes and rivers for future generations.
If you can, please consider making a contribution to help us with this campaign. Available budget is always a constraint on our advocacy efforts, and the need has never been greater.
Minnesota’s AIS Prevention Aid: A Decade of Success at Risk
Jeff Forester
Executive Director, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers:
For the last ten years, Minnesota has had one of the most innovative and cost effective Aquatic Invasive Species, AIS funding mechanisms in the nation, the County AIS Prevention Aid Formula.
Established in 2014 with the lobbying support of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, this program allocates $10 million annually to local governments, empowering them to implement targeted, science-based solutions to protect our lakes and rivers. Much of this funding has gone directly to Lake Associations as county grants that lake associations use to hire inspection hours, decontamination services, do AIS surveys, management and early detection work, install boat cleaning tools at the accesses, and fund AIS communication efforts.
However, the 2025 Governor’s budget recommendation proposes reducing this vital program by 50% and phasing it out entirely by 2029. Such cuts could significantly weaken our ability to prevent new AIS introductions, leading to increased long-term costs for lake associations, property owners, and local governments.
We are asking you to do two things to help us push back on this misguided budget cut:
- Encourage all lake association members to sign up for our Citizens Action Network so that they can get legislative updates and action alerts that will allow them to contact their legislators with one click.
- Download and distribute the link to our webpage on this issue. You will find a handy one page document that you can share with local elected officials like mayors, county commissioners and other civic leaders.
Thank you for all you do on our lakes. In this role I am inspired seeing so many citizens taking an active role in protecting our lakes and rivers for future generations.
If you can, please consider making a contribution to help us with this campaign. Available budget is always a constraint on our advocacy efforts, and the need has never been greater.
Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)
Joined in June 2012.
LARA represents dues-paying lake associations in Crow Wing County.
www.crowwinglakesandrivers.org/
LARA represents dues-paying lake associations in Crow Wing County.
www.crowwinglakesandrivers.org/
MAISRC (Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center)
Innovation in AIS Prevention, Control, and Management
02/03/25
Protecting Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands from aquatic invasive species (AIS) isn’t just a goal-it’s a shared responsibility we all care deeply about. At MAISRC, we’ve spent the past decade dedicated to advancing science-based solutions to the challenges AIS pose to our ecosystems, economies, and way of life on our lakes.
Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the progress we've made, and introduces our new 10-year strategic plan aimed at delivering even more impactful solutions.
This report reflects the hard work of our team and the incredible support and collaboration of our many partners. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against AIS.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Protecting Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands from aquatic invasive species (AIS) isn’t just a goal-it’s a shared responsibility we all care deeply about. At MAISRC, we’ve spent the past decade dedicated to advancing science-based solutions to the challenges AIS pose to our ecosystems, economies, and way of life on our lakes.
Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the progress we've made, and introduces our new 10-year strategic plan aimed at delivering even more impactful solutions.
This report reflects the hard work of our team and the incredible support and collaboration of our many partners. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against AIS.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
01/27/25
The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota announces the launch of six new research projects. These projects were selected as part of a competitive proposal process following a comprehensive research needs assessment conducted by MAISRC. Starting in January 2025, the new projects will advance AIS detection, management tools, ecological impact studies, and stakeholder engagement to reinforce prevention and control efforts. The projects include:
The research projects are possible thanks to funding provided by the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), which enables groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to address aquatic invasive species challenges in Minnesota.
Request for Proposals
MAISRC is awarding $2.5M to fund groundbreaking research—your innovative ideas could shape the future! From cutting-edge techniques to impactful collaboration, this is your chance to tackle AIS issues head-on. Whether you're starting something new or building on existing work, we want to hear from you.
Funding starts January 2026. No set budget or limit on ideas. Let’s make a difference for Minnesota's lakes. Visit for more details.
Upcoming Events
The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota announces the launch of six new research projects. These projects were selected as part of a competitive proposal process following a comprehensive research needs assessment conducted by MAISRC. Starting in January 2025, the new projects will advance AIS detection, management tools, ecological impact studies, and stakeholder engagement to reinforce prevention and control efforts. The projects include:
- Rapid DNA sequencing approaches for multiple AIS detection, led by Dr. Chan Lan Chun.
- Developing a framework to detect multiple AIS more quickly, reliably, and affordably using a portable eDNA sequencing method.
- Impacts of Common Carp control on native fishes, led by Dr. Solomon David.
- A multi-stage study to evaluate the effects of common carp removal on native fish populations in Minnesota's inland lakes; part of the Lab to Lakes initiative.
- High-Throughput Simultaneous Detection of Various AIS, led by Dr. Satoshi Ishii.
- Using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) to improve the detection and monitoring of AIS by testing for multiple species simultaneously with minimal samples.
- Developing simulation-based decision support tools for AIS management, led by Dr. Ranjan Muthukrishnan.
- Making scientific research on AIS more accessible to stakeholders by developing a simulation-based decision support tool.
- Social dimensions of trade pathways of AIS spread, led by Dr. Amit Pradananga.
- Identifying effective strategies to engage aquarium and pond-related businesses and hobbyists in preventing the spread of AIS.
- Supporting innovative and adaptive invasive aquatic plant management, led by Dr. Jake Walsh.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to improve invasive aquatic plant management in Minnesota by developing centralized, research-ready databases and tools to enhance data management, monitoring, and adaptive strategies.
The research projects are possible thanks to funding provided by the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), which enables groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to address aquatic invasive species challenges in Minnesota.
Request for Proposals
MAISRC is awarding $2.5M to fund groundbreaking research—your innovative ideas could shape the future! From cutting-edge techniques to impactful collaboration, this is your chance to tackle AIS issues head-on. Whether you're starting something new or building on existing work, we want to hear from you.
Funding starts January 2026. No set budget or limit on ideas. Let’s make a difference for Minnesota's lakes. Visit for more details.
Upcoming Events
- Ongoing: MAISRC Containment Lab free guided groups tours: Register today!
- February 18-20, 2025: Invasive Species Forum
- March 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM: Deadline for MAISRC's Request for Proposals
- March 26, 2025: AIS Detectors Webinar: Integrating genetic and herbicide studies to improve watermilfoil management outcomes
- April 14-17, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland: National Forum on Biological Control
- May 1, 2025: AIS Detectors Webinar: Effective Rusty Crayfish Removals to Protect Wild Rice
- Thursday, October 9, 2025: AIS Research and Management Showcase
- Lake Fremont: Help is on the way, Lab to Lakes mentioned, (Elk River Star News)
- Zebra mussels and mercury in fish: An alarming Minnesota study, Naomi Blinick interviewed, (MinnPost)
- Study shows zebra mussels contribute to elevated mercury levels in walleye and aquatic food webs, Naomi Blinick interviewed, (WTIP)
- University of Minnesota study shows zebra mussels tied to elevated fish mercury, Naomi Blinick interviewed, (Outdoor News)
- Researchers discover a new health concern in Minnesota lakes infested by zebra mussels, Gretchen Hansen interviewed, (Star Tribune)
- Study: Walleye in lakes with zebra mussels have higher mercury levels, Gretchen Hansen interviewed, (MPR News)
2/10/25
Team Member Update - Michelle Isaacson
We recently announced the dates for the 2025 Core Course Workshops and we are so excited to be bringing back this fantastic course across Minnesota. Locations for workshops this year include Wayzata on May 9, Brainerd in partnership with the Gathering Partners Conference on May 16, and virtually on June 3 and 4. We are grateful for Hennepin County Environment and Energy to be sponsoring the Wayzata workshop so participants can attend free of charge. The Core Course is the heart of our program and the foundation for the volunteer network we serve. This year our amazing team of 90 active volunteers donated 3773.25 hours of their time to learn and work on aquatic invasive species projects.
We can’t wait to meet all of the new participants in 2025 and see what we can accomplish together!
Species Feature
Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
This serpentine specter has a unique life history after surviving at least four major extinction events and remaining unchanged for millions of years. Mottled gray-blue to black young hatch from eggs laid in streams and rivers and live from 3-17 years in the sediment, feeding on algae and other small food. When ready to leave this environment, sea lamprey grow eyes and a sucker mouth and head toward open water, like into our Great Lakes. At this point they feed by attaching to fish and eating blood and other fluids. Sea lamprey do not have a jaw or scales, but rather a mouth ringed with teeth, a rasping tongue, and a skeleton made of cartilage. Adults grow to 14-24 inches in length and have mottled dark brown to black coloration. After reaching sexual maturity they use pheromones to find a habitable stream to mate, lay eggs, then die.
Sea lamprey resemble native lamprey, including American brook lamprey and chestnut lamprey. Originally from the Atlantic Ocean, sea lamprey have spread via canals into the Great Lakes, where they are thriving. Unlike our native lampreys, sea lampreys are larger and our native fish are not adapted to the quantity of blood loss associated with sea lampreys feeding, or the potential infection from the bite wound if the lamprey releases. A single lamprey can kill 40 pounds of fish and females lay up to 100,000 eggs in its short adult lifespan, resulting in a large impact to our fisheries. Lampricide has shown effectiveness in killing young sea lamprey and barriers have helped deter migration into the lakes. This management program is collaborative and managed on a large scale with significant data reporting fisheries recovery and management success (https://www.glfc.org/control.php). Management must be consistent or population booms will occur and negative effects of sea lamprey on native fish populations rebound quickly.
For additional information, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website on Sea Lamprey.
Meet a Volunteer: Bob Guggenberger
Locating a Minnesota lake that is surrounded by multiple farm fields is not like finding a needle in a haystack, and that very situation is where we find volunteer Bob Guggenberger. Two Rivers Lake was placed on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s impaired waters list due to some of the highest phosphate levels in the state and around that same time, Friends of Two Rivers Lake Association was established. Bob is very proud of how much improvement there has been on the lake in the last fifteen years and the water quality they have achieved. He also noted the high percentage of residents that are association members since the pool of available members is impacted by the uninhabited farmland surrounding the lake. For the Association, Bob is the Project Manager and runs the curly-leaf management program, writes grant applications, oversees the boat inspection program, represents them on the Stearns County AIS Committee, and within that serves on a grant evaluation subcommittee. A focus of his effort has been on improving the county grant application guidelines and instructions to ease the evaluation process. Bob chuckles through the reality many people may relate to while explaining “I found that when you’re on these volunteer committees, if you complain about something, you’re gonna get stuck on the subcommittee,” yet he keeps speaking up for the impactful changes he wants to see for the health of the lake.
Bob is happy to spend his time making a positive influence on the health of Two Rivers Lake where his family cabin rests. Before retiring and upgrading the cabin from a seasonal to a year-round family home, Bob received an undergraduate degree in math and economics, was drafted into the military, went to night school to get his MBA, then followed the corporate path for over twenty years, a couple years of business and environmental consulting, and finally fifteen years as an owner operator of a small business. During what free time he has, Bob is making up for lost time. Traveling is his passion, and he has quite a few stories ranging from misspelled names on international plane tickets, to getting a local’s perspective on a two-and-a-half-week trip to Croatia and surrounding countries. Chuckling, Bob regaled about finally convincing his eldest daughter to bring her and her two daughters with him on a trip to Mexico where he discovered “traveling with my granddaughters is a riot.” Bob also has some neglected hobbies like coin collecting and teaching himself to play the guitar, but tries hard to make time each summer to visit the cabin for lake activities since the season goes so fast.
A recurring concern of Bob’s is having enough volunteer help. He has campaigned for his replacement in the last three Association elections to no avail. A similar situation exists for the Association President and Vice President as well. “People are more willing to write a check than they are to give up their time.” Bob doesn’t see it this way for himself. “I look at volunteering, it's a way of giving back and helping others. You're definitely filling a niche,” explains Bob. Volunteering has also given him the opportunity to learn something new. “I didn't have any knowledge, personal knowledge of any of the aquatics. So in having property on the lake, I was starting basically from ground zero.” Bob has used this knowledge to team up with others and participate in events like Starry Trek and even do an extensive search of Two Rivers Lake, checking the accesses and the inlet to the lake for any aquatic invasive species.
Bob is full of humor and has a positive outlook on life. Situations aren’t always perfect, but he does the best he can. He is also grateful and wanted to add that “all of us who work with AIS appreciate everything provided to us by the [Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species] Research Center. You are giving us the tools and encouragement… and it would be difficult if not impossible without you.” It would be impossible without volunteers like you Bob, who are dedicated to making a difference. So thank you for being part of our team.
Research Paper Summary
How can we get people to take AIS prevention actions?
There are a variety of education campaigns and efforts to raise awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and encourage people to take appropriate action to prevent their spread. People respond to this information in a variety of ways, including non-action, which can lead to risky movements between water bodies in terms of spreading AIS. Understanding what kinds of knowledge lead to different behaviors can help communicators create more effective education and outreach programs.
Samantha N. Tank, Seth J. Herbst, & Daniel B. Hayes. (2024) The relationship between ambler awareness of aquatic invasive species presence and action taken to prevent spread. Management of Biological Invasions.15(4): 617-634.
This Michigan-based research team surveyed wading anglers in a Michigan stream invaded with New Zealand mudsnail to better understand what kinds of knowledge (in this case, if the knowledge of the presence of an AIS) led to the anglers taking prevention actions. They also asked questions about how anglers learned about the presence of New Zealand mudsnail in the river, if they were planning to fish in other water bodies, and what kind of waders they used (a risk factor as it relates to New Zealand mudsnail transport). The research team noted that despite the presence of brightly colored signs along the entire river corridor, about half of the anglers they encountered were not aware of the presence of New Zealand mudsnail in the river. The team suspects “sign habituation” may be at play, where the constant exposure by anglers to signs (maps, regulations, AIS alerts, and more) people pay less attention to them. Also concerning was that even of those who were aware of the presence of New Zealand mudsnail, 55% reported that they don’t decontaminate their waders between trips and of that 55%, 28% travel to other rivers. The research team has suggestions on how to address this problem:
Team Member Update - Michelle Isaacson
We recently announced the dates for the 2025 Core Course Workshops and we are so excited to be bringing back this fantastic course across Minnesota. Locations for workshops this year include Wayzata on May 9, Brainerd in partnership with the Gathering Partners Conference on May 16, and virtually on June 3 and 4. We are grateful for Hennepin County Environment and Energy to be sponsoring the Wayzata workshop so participants can attend free of charge. The Core Course is the heart of our program and the foundation for the volunteer network we serve. This year our amazing team of 90 active volunteers donated 3773.25 hours of their time to learn and work on aquatic invasive species projects.
We can’t wait to meet all of the new participants in 2025 and see what we can accomplish together!
Species Feature
Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
This serpentine specter has a unique life history after surviving at least four major extinction events and remaining unchanged for millions of years. Mottled gray-blue to black young hatch from eggs laid in streams and rivers and live from 3-17 years in the sediment, feeding on algae and other small food. When ready to leave this environment, sea lamprey grow eyes and a sucker mouth and head toward open water, like into our Great Lakes. At this point they feed by attaching to fish and eating blood and other fluids. Sea lamprey do not have a jaw or scales, but rather a mouth ringed with teeth, a rasping tongue, and a skeleton made of cartilage. Adults grow to 14-24 inches in length and have mottled dark brown to black coloration. After reaching sexual maturity they use pheromones to find a habitable stream to mate, lay eggs, then die.
Sea lamprey resemble native lamprey, including American brook lamprey and chestnut lamprey. Originally from the Atlantic Ocean, sea lamprey have spread via canals into the Great Lakes, where they are thriving. Unlike our native lampreys, sea lampreys are larger and our native fish are not adapted to the quantity of blood loss associated with sea lampreys feeding, or the potential infection from the bite wound if the lamprey releases. A single lamprey can kill 40 pounds of fish and females lay up to 100,000 eggs in its short adult lifespan, resulting in a large impact to our fisheries. Lampricide has shown effectiveness in killing young sea lamprey and barriers have helped deter migration into the lakes. This management program is collaborative and managed on a large scale with significant data reporting fisheries recovery and management success (https://www.glfc.org/control.php). Management must be consistent or population booms will occur and negative effects of sea lamprey on native fish populations rebound quickly.
For additional information, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website on Sea Lamprey.
Meet a Volunteer: Bob Guggenberger
Locating a Minnesota lake that is surrounded by multiple farm fields is not like finding a needle in a haystack, and that very situation is where we find volunteer Bob Guggenberger. Two Rivers Lake was placed on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s impaired waters list due to some of the highest phosphate levels in the state and around that same time, Friends of Two Rivers Lake Association was established. Bob is very proud of how much improvement there has been on the lake in the last fifteen years and the water quality they have achieved. He also noted the high percentage of residents that are association members since the pool of available members is impacted by the uninhabited farmland surrounding the lake. For the Association, Bob is the Project Manager and runs the curly-leaf management program, writes grant applications, oversees the boat inspection program, represents them on the Stearns County AIS Committee, and within that serves on a grant evaluation subcommittee. A focus of his effort has been on improving the county grant application guidelines and instructions to ease the evaluation process. Bob chuckles through the reality many people may relate to while explaining “I found that when you’re on these volunteer committees, if you complain about something, you’re gonna get stuck on the subcommittee,” yet he keeps speaking up for the impactful changes he wants to see for the health of the lake.
Bob is happy to spend his time making a positive influence on the health of Two Rivers Lake where his family cabin rests. Before retiring and upgrading the cabin from a seasonal to a year-round family home, Bob received an undergraduate degree in math and economics, was drafted into the military, went to night school to get his MBA, then followed the corporate path for over twenty years, a couple years of business and environmental consulting, and finally fifteen years as an owner operator of a small business. During what free time he has, Bob is making up for lost time. Traveling is his passion, and he has quite a few stories ranging from misspelled names on international plane tickets, to getting a local’s perspective on a two-and-a-half-week trip to Croatia and surrounding countries. Chuckling, Bob regaled about finally convincing his eldest daughter to bring her and her two daughters with him on a trip to Mexico where he discovered “traveling with my granddaughters is a riot.” Bob also has some neglected hobbies like coin collecting and teaching himself to play the guitar, but tries hard to make time each summer to visit the cabin for lake activities since the season goes so fast.
A recurring concern of Bob’s is having enough volunteer help. He has campaigned for his replacement in the last three Association elections to no avail. A similar situation exists for the Association President and Vice President as well. “People are more willing to write a check than they are to give up their time.” Bob doesn’t see it this way for himself. “I look at volunteering, it's a way of giving back and helping others. You're definitely filling a niche,” explains Bob. Volunteering has also given him the opportunity to learn something new. “I didn't have any knowledge, personal knowledge of any of the aquatics. So in having property on the lake, I was starting basically from ground zero.” Bob has used this knowledge to team up with others and participate in events like Starry Trek and even do an extensive search of Two Rivers Lake, checking the accesses and the inlet to the lake for any aquatic invasive species.
Bob is full of humor and has a positive outlook on life. Situations aren’t always perfect, but he does the best he can. He is also grateful and wanted to add that “all of us who work with AIS appreciate everything provided to us by the [Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species] Research Center. You are giving us the tools and encouragement… and it would be difficult if not impossible without you.” It would be impossible without volunteers like you Bob, who are dedicated to making a difference. So thank you for being part of our team.
Research Paper Summary
How can we get people to take AIS prevention actions?
There are a variety of education campaigns and efforts to raise awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and encourage people to take appropriate action to prevent their spread. People respond to this information in a variety of ways, including non-action, which can lead to risky movements between water bodies in terms of spreading AIS. Understanding what kinds of knowledge lead to different behaviors can help communicators create more effective education and outreach programs.
Samantha N. Tank, Seth J. Herbst, & Daniel B. Hayes. (2024) The relationship between ambler awareness of aquatic invasive species presence and action taken to prevent spread. Management of Biological Invasions.15(4): 617-634.
This Michigan-based research team surveyed wading anglers in a Michigan stream invaded with New Zealand mudsnail to better understand what kinds of knowledge (in this case, if the knowledge of the presence of an AIS) led to the anglers taking prevention actions. They also asked questions about how anglers learned about the presence of New Zealand mudsnail in the river, if they were planning to fish in other water bodies, and what kind of waders they used (a risk factor as it relates to New Zealand mudsnail transport). The research team noted that despite the presence of brightly colored signs along the entire river corridor, about half of the anglers they encountered were not aware of the presence of New Zealand mudsnail in the river. The team suspects “sign habituation” may be at play, where the constant exposure by anglers to signs (maps, regulations, AIS alerts, and more) people pay less attention to them. Also concerning was that even of those who were aware of the presence of New Zealand mudsnail, 55% reported that they don’t decontaminate their waders between trips and of that 55%, 28% travel to other rivers. The research team has suggestions on how to address this problem:
- Incorporate messaging that goes beyond presence and explain about the negative consequences moving AIS can have -- particularly on the activity the target audience participates in.
- Be specific -- generic messages like Clean. Drain. Dry don’t provide specific actions that need to be taken to “Clean,” and this research team noted that for the anglers they surveyed “Clean” meant anything from rinsing with water to a scrub with bleach.
- Target your messages. Identify the riskiest groups and provide meaningful education specific to that group.