Help Goodhue County protect its local waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Help Goodhue County protect its local waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Local waterways like the Cannon River, Zumbro River, Lake Byllesby, and Lake Pepin / Mississippi River face severe ecosystem degradation from non-native species.

Everyone hitting the water can take action to prevent these hitchhikers from devastating our local ecosystems.

The Threat to Goodhue County Waters

When non-native species enter an ecosystem, they lack natural predators. They rapidly outcompete native fish and plants, ruin boat motors, and deplete the food webs our game fish rely on. Several aggressive invaders have already established a foothold in Goodhue County:

Zebra Mussels: These sharp-shelled mollusks filter out critical microscopic food sources. They have colonized Lake Pepin, the Mississippi River, and reproduction has been confirmed in Lake Byllesby near Cannon Falls.

Flowering Rush & Eurasian Watermilfoil: Thick mats of these invasive plants choke out native vegetation and clog boat props on the Cannon River and Lake Pepin.

How to Stop the Spread: Clean, Drain, Dispose, Dry (CD3)

• Clean: Strip away all visible aquatic plants, mud, and zebra mussels from your watercraft, trailer, and gear before leaving the access point.

• Drain: Pull the drain plug and empty all water from livewells, baitwells, bilge areas, and ballast tanks. Keep the plug out during highway transport.

• Dispose: Never dump unused live bait into the water. Safely dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

• Dry: If moving docks, lifts, or swim rafts to a new body of water, let them dry completely in the sun for at least 21 days.

Goodhue County operates a CD3 system at the Lake Byllesby Park boat launch FREE of charge!

Visit Goodhue County’s or the MN DNR websites for more information!