Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are those organisms, including nonnative plants, animals, and pathogens, which once introduced to a new environment, invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range. They are responsible for the degradation of biological integrity and cause economic loss, overall environmental damage, and harm human health.

In the most recent years, zebra mussels and silver carp have been focal points for AIS prevention measures in Minnesota waters. However, several other species pose an imminent threat to our precious water resources. These additional species include Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, flowering rush, bighead carp, spiney water flea and faucet snails.

Waseca County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan

With the adoption of the first generation of the Waseca County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan in December of 2014, the County and its partners are currently taking measures to combat the spread of these environmental hazards. Through a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the County has created a list of actions to implement in order to prevent the spread of AIS within our waters. These actions include goals to:

•             Increase Understanding of AIS Associated Risks and Spreading Pathways;

•             Develop and Implement Activities that Address Identified Pathways;

•             Increase Awareness of and Participation in Prevention and Management Activities;

•             Broaden Knowledge of and Participation in Early Detection and Rapid Response Activities;

•             Increase County Enforcement Resources; and

•             Increase Available Resources and Leverage Partnerships.

Actions that may be implemented to accomplish these goals are described in the County AIS Prevention Plan at the link below.

Waseca County AIS Prevention Plan

2025 Request for Proposals - Using Local Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid

For the 2025 calendar year, Waseca County will be offering Local Aid Grants to cities, lake associations, schools, non-profit organizations, and/or other management agencies within the County for implementation of actions supporting the Waseca County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan. Actions eligible for funding must “prevent the introduction or limit the spread of aquatic invasive species at all access sites within the county,” in accordance with MN Statutes 477A.19.

Click here for the Local Aid Grant application. Questions regarding the Local Aid Grants or to be put on a notification list can be directed to Chris Howard, Land and Water Resources Director, 900 3rd St NE, Waseca, MN 56093, or e-mailed in to: chris.howard@wasecacounty.gov Subject: “2025 AIS Prevention Aid RFP.”

For more information on aquatic invasive species prevention and how to report a suspected infestation visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/index.html