Watershed District Seeks Volunteers to Help Spot New Invasive Species Infestations

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is preparing for the open water season and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the area's lakes and streams.

A key component of the MCWD's 2013 AIS prevention and management program is early detection of any potential new infestations, and the watershed district is expanding its monitoring of non-zebra mussel infested waters—and creating a volunteer monitoring program to help spot new infestations.

A training session for residents interested in participating in the district’s volunteer monitoring program will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins. 

In addition to training citizen monitors, the MCWD’s other early detection efforts include conducting shoreline searches, installing zebra mussel monitoring devices in all major lakes within the District and snorkeling in deeper areas of high use, high risk lakes.

“Spotting an AIS infestation early gives us the best possible chance to contain it and prevent it from disrupting an entire water body’s ecosystem,” MCWD AIS Specialist Eric Fieldseth said. “By involving our community members in this effort, we increase our chances of success and preserving the quality of our lakes and streams for everyone to enjoy.”

To RSVP for the volunteer monitoring program training session contact MCWD AIS Specialist Eric Fieldseth at efieldseth@minnehahacreek.org or 952-471-7873.

Headquartered in Deephaven, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.