Wisconsin Lakes Partnership
2009 Convention Archive
Concurrent Sessions III
March 19, 2009
4:20 - 5:10pm
Understanding Impacts of Invasive
Implementing Smart Prevention, Containment, and Control at Statewide and Local Levels
Thursday 4:20-5:10pm
Effective management of Aquatic Invasive Species requires a close partnership between science and management. Management should be informed by the latest science and operational experience should help drive the research agendas. Here we will explore the management implications of the latest research. Are research results being applied, and at what scales? If not, what are the science or management impediments to operationalizing the latest research? In this special concurrent session, we will work through the invasion pathway with our plenary speakers and State AIS experts to identify appropriate intervention strategies or outstanding knowledge gaps that presently prevent effective management. Our panel will be asked to address a set of pre-selected questions about implementing “smart” management of AIS at both state and local scales, such as:
- What is the appropriate mix between preventing spread from infested lakes, versus protecting un-invaded waters?
- For what species and when should eradication be attempted, or should we focus on containment and control to slow the spread?
- Which boater activities pose the greatest threat and how could they reduce these risks?
We will also open the discussion to the floor to enable audience participation, so your questions can also be answered. Come join in this lively discussion and help define future research and management directions.
Presenters: Lindsay Chadderton and Tim Asplund with David Lodge, Jake Vander Zanden and Jennifer Hauxwell
Management & Control of AIS - Research Findings
Water Level Flux to Control AIS and Restore Impoundments
Thursday 4:20-5:10pm
Water level fluctuation to control Eurasian Water Milfoil has been employed throughout the United States and Europe. Presently, it is being evaluated as a tool for EWM management and holistic lake restoration in Wisconsin. Several water level manipulations have been conducted, or are in the process, throughout Wisconsin and the results are promising. Tools such as water level fluctuation have large-scale effects and it is necessary to plan ahead to avoid unintended circumstances. Moreover, socio-economic issues are equally important and must be given due process. We will explore case studies and the impacts to the aquatic plant community, along with the social issues that arise.
Presenter: Scott Provost, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Success Stories
Case Study: Unified Eagle River Chain Lakes Commission - Challenges in Eurasian Water Milfoil Management
Thursday 4:20-5:10pm
In 2004, many residents along the shorelines of the Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes, part of the largest freshwater lake chain in the world, had become increasingly aware that the Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) within the lakes needed serious attention. Individual lake associations within the chain conducted chemical treatment programs as finances allowed. It was recognized that these individual EWM control efforts were advantageous, but only in the short-term. In order for future chemical treatments to be truly effective, it was thought necessary to view the chain as one continuous and whole water body and not as a series of individual lakes to be managed separately. In this session, learn how members of the Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission faced those challenges, and today enjoy a successful EWM management program that is equitable to all - setting future standards to work cooperatively at the community level.
Presenters: Steve Favorite, Commission Chairman; and Matt Wagner, Vilas Co. Land & Water Conservation Department
County/Regional AIS Coordination Strategies
Cooperative AIS Efforts
Thursday 4:20-5:10pm
GREAT LAKES INDIAN FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION (GLIFWC) COOPERATIVE AIS EFFORTS
This presentation will highlight three areas of GLIFWC's AIS program that enhance cooperative efforts to prevent and control AIS in northern Wisconsin.
Presenter: Miles Falck, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
ENGAGING RIVER ENTHUSIASTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES
Rivers are conduits for invasive species. In addition, they themselves are being impacted. The River Alliance of Wisconsin is striving to empower river enthusiasts to assist in this fight. The Alliance is working to assess the potential threats posed by invasive species to the flowing waters of Wisconsin and assist river groups to improve their knowledge and expand their capacity to meet the challenges of riverine invasive species, including education, prevention, monitoring and control.
Presenter: Laura MacFarland, River Alliance of Wisconsin
Invasives at the Water's Edge & in the Great Lakes
Ecosystem Level Effects of Invasive Dreissenid Mussels
Thursday 4:20-5:10pm
Quagga and zebra mussels are invasive mussels that threaten our waters. These species are closely related and have similar characteristics. They are collectively referred to as Dreissenid mussels. Dreissenid mussels are small, freshwater, bivalve mollusks with elongated shells, usually marked by alternating light and dark bands—though shell patterns often vary.
The invasion of North American and European freshwaters by Dreissenid mussels has resulted in profound changes to the aquatic life and biogeochemistry of these ecosystems. Biogeochemistry is the study of the processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment; and includes the interplay of chemical, physical, geological, and biological elements.
This presentation will summarize a comprehensive review of literature and long-term monitoring data about the effects of Dreissenid mussel invasions on lake and river ecosystems.
Presenter: Scott Higgins, UW-Madison Center for Limnology
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