County outlines expanded aquatic invasive species outreach and new tool‑cleaning stations

WABASHA COUNTY — County environmental staff provided an update on planned aquatic invasive species (AIS) outreach and prevention measures for the upcoming season, including classroom visits, expanded bait‑bin coverage and a pilot set of seven AIS tool‑cleaning stations.

The presenter said she will speak to the Lake City Elementary fifth grade on March 28 and provide teachers with water test kits and 20 D‑nets for student use. She said the county plans to install seven DNR‑approved AIS tool‑cleaning stations at specific public accesses as a one‑year pilot; if the pilot is successful the county will seek a DNR special use permit to make installations permanent.

"With phase 1 with these 7 it's approximately $1,500 for the purchase of the signed materials and the tools," the presenter said. She listed planned pilot locations as Clear Lake, Maple Spinks, West Newton, Wilcox, Zumbro at Ponderosa and Zumbro Falls and said the tools (aqua weed stick, grabber, drain plug wrench and brush) will hang on a sign pole at each site.

The presenter also said she will add three bait bins at Pritchard, Weaver and Peterson lake landings on top of five already in place, and that the county is working with partners including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wildlife Forever on outreach. She said CD3 cleaning stations will remain seasonal (typically May–October), while the new tool stations would be available year‑round if permanently approved.

The board did not take action; the update was informational. Commissioners thanked the presenter for the outreach work and noted staff also contributes to solid‑waste and zoning efforts.