Fall / WINTER 2024 - NEWSLETTER

WHAT IS AIS:

 At the most basic level, aquatic invasive species are water-dwelling organisms that are not native to Minnesota. The impacts of aquatic invasive species vary. While some invasive species cause damage to ecosystems, others can cause human or economic harm.  

WHY MANAGE IT?

• Overtakes habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity.
• Provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native animals. 
• Dense mats at the water’s surface inhibit water recreationists.
• When invasive plants become too abundant, they can cause economic or environmental harm.

MORE INFO:

• To learn more about how to identify AIS.
• Where it is located on Cross Lake.
• How to provide your consent to treat.

In 2023, the Cross Lake/Snake River Association contracted Limnopro Aquatic Science Inc., to create a Lake Management plan. 

This lake management plan will provide a beginning framework for managing Cross Lake in an attempt to optimize water quality, plant growth, and fishing conditions for recreation and to reserve property values. 

WHY DO WE CARE?

Too many carp can have a negative impact on a body of water’s clarity. Carp are bottom feeders and tend disturb the sediment on the bottom of the lake, ultimately resulting in decreased water clarity.

HOW MANY IS TOO MANY?

In 2021, Cross Lake/Snake River Association contracted Limnopro to conduct an aquatic plant survey.  

The survey was conducted both in the late spring, during peak growth of curly-leaf and later in the summer to determine the specific plant community in the lake, after the curly-leaf pondweed dies off.