Waukesha's Fight Against Invasive Species Continues 3 More Years with Grant

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved a 3-year grant aimed to prevent or slow the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Waukesha County lakes and streams.

The grant will fund public invasive species education and identification programs through 2019. County officials say it is a cost effective way to protect and improve local water quality, recreational opportunities, and shoreline property values.

“With invasive species like starry stonewort and reed manna grass present in the southeastern part of the State, it is important that county residents learn how to identify invasive species and how they spread,” said Brad Steckart, AIS Coordinator.

The grant will help fund a full time AIS Coordinator position shared with Washington County, as well as a full time AIS Intern during the peak summer season at local boat launches, where much of the education work happens. Key AIS program activities include:

• Maintaining community-focused outreach, education and social media contact
• Implementing Clean Boats, Clean Waters education at local boat ramps, and training volunteers to assist

• Mapping AIS in local lakes and streams and monitoring their impacts
• Developing and implementing a long-term countywide AIS Strategic Plan
• Working with local pet stores and bait shops to prevent the sale of AIS species
• Acting as a point of contact for new AIS and rapid response efforts

“2016 was our first year in the AIS program, and the public support has been great, especially from the lake groups,” said Perry Lindquist, Land Resources Manager for Waukesha County.

If you see any suspect species of plants or animals in local waters, call Brad Steckart at 262-355-4806 or email bradley.steckart@co.washington.wi.us. Stay updated with our AIS E-News by subscribing at www.waukeshacounty.gov/ais.

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