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Invasive Species

Terrestrial Invasive Species
Early detection of potentially invasive species is a critical first step in effective management and risk evaluation of non-native and invasive species.  Citizens often are the first detectors when out enjoying Minnesota's great outdoors. 

Here are some terms we use to describe different plant and animal species:
Non-native: An organism that is not indigenous to a region (also referred to as exotic).
Invasive: A non-native organism that causes harm to the environment, the economy or human health.
Weed: A plant that is considered undesirable in a particular location or situation. Weeds may be native or non-native.

For more information on Terrestrial Invasive Species | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

These are the top invasive species found in Kandiyohi County.
Spotted Knapweed
Spotted Knapweed 		 common20buckthorn
Common Buckthorn		 purple Loosestrife1 - Copy - Copy
Purple Loosestrife 
leafy spurge
Leafy Spurge 		 WildParsnip3
Wild Parsnip 		 queen anns lace
Queen Ann's Lace 
tansyflowers_0
Common Tansy 		 garlic mustard
Garlic Mustard 		 canadathistle-25
Canadian Thistle 

Phrag
Phragmites
Picture Credit: UMN 

    
     
Picture credit: MN DNR website


Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Sometimes called exotic, invasive, nonindigenous or non-native are aquatic organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range. Their presence may harm native ecosystems or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have become a local issue as infestations have been found in Kandiyohi County.  Kandiyohi County has taken a proactive approach to the issue.  One way it has been proactive is by educating the public on best management practices that will prevent the spread of AIS.

In Minnesota it is illegal to: 

  • Transport watercraft without the drain plug removed.
  • Arrive at a lake access with drain plug in place.
  • Transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species, whether dead or alive.
  • Launch watercraft with prohibited species attached.
  • Transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers.
  • Release live bait into the water.
What makes Kandiyohi County great? LAKES!  Help keep them healthy by decontaminating any type of watercraft at no charge.  Call 320-214-6740 for the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline listing decontamination times and locations.  

Kandiyohi County Aquatic Invasive Species Plan-2014 Draft 

DNR Clean, Drain, Dry (You Tube video)

For more information on Aquatic Invasive Species | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

zebra

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

 EWM

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

 Curly
Curly-leaf Pond Weed 
Flea
Spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus)		 Starry
Starry Stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) 		 Flowering rush
Flowering rush
Pictures: MN DNR website