February 21, 2025– Otter Tail County, MN – National Invasive Species Awareness Week highlights the threats of invasive species and promotes actions to prevent their spread.
Several aquatic invasive species threaten Midwest lakes, rivers, and streams, including Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and hydrilla. These species harm fish populations, disrupt native vegetation, and degrade water quality—often unknowingly transported by watercraft users moving between water bodies.
“We’ve got 1,048 lakes here in Otter Tail County, and people want them to be clean, healthy, swimmable, and full of fish. AIS threaten these resources, and we need to protect them,” said Spencer McGrew, AIS Specialist, Otter Tail County. With 1,048 lakes, the most of any county in the U.S., Otter Tail County is leading efforts to prevent AIS through strategic education and resources:
AIS Handbook
The AIS Handbook, sponsored by the Otter Tail County AIS Task Force, provides essential prevention information and will be distributed to lake property owners, resort owners, and civic organizations. To reserve copies, contact Otter Tail County Land & Resource at 218-998-8095.
Lake Stewardship Symposium
As part of ongoing conservation efforts, Otter Tail County will host the Lake Stewardship Symposium on May 31, 2025, at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, MN. The one-day event, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will feature expert presentations on AIS prevention, shoreline restoration, vacation rentals, and new lake stewardship initiatives.
During National Invasive Species Awareness Week and beyond, we encourage residents and visitors to protect Minnesota’s waters. With your help, we can preserve these valuable resources for future generations.
For more information on invasive species prevention and the Lake Stewardship Symposium, visit ottertailcounty.gov/invasive-species