AIS PARTNERSHIP HISTORY

The spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) across Wisconsin began impacting lakes in and around Vilas County as early as 1990, but significantly more so in approximately 2001. Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), two non-native invasive plants capable of seriously degrading the quality of lakes, began spreading primarily into the eastern end of the County. Their advance corresponded with the general south to north state wide disbursement of AIS during the previous decade. Eurasian water-milfoil had become well established by 2004 in lakes in the Deerskin River watershed, most of which comprise the lower portion of the popular Eagle River Chain of Lakes. Scattered infestations had also been confirmed further west in the County. Expensive, but often only marginally effective management efforts were being attempted by lake organizations on some of the infested lakes.

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), an animal on the list of extremely harmful aquatic invasive species, had not yet reached Vilas County, but were well established in Lake Metonga near Crandon in Forest County, only 30 miles from the Vilas County border. Yet another animal species known as Spiny-water fleas (Bythotrephes cederstroemi) had invaded the Gile Flowage north of Mercer in adjacent Iron County.

As public awareness of these invaders began to increase, the concern for the impact they would have on local lakes prompted growing demands of the limited staff of the Vilas County Land and Water Conservation Department and the Rhinelander office of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. With over 1,300 lakes in Vilas County, an organized approach was obviously needed to stop the spread of AIS.

The Vilas County Board of Supervisors authorized the Land and Water Conservation Committee to pursue a WDNR cost share grant for the purpose of creating a temporary (three year) employee position to coordinate AIS activities throughout Vilas County. Funding for the project was awarded in the fall of 2004 and the position was filled effective December 1.

The project required creation of a broad based partnership of concerned people representing a wide variety of resources and interests. The partners were to draft and implement a long term plan for combating AIS in Vilas County.