AIS – Citizen Sentry Training, July 21st

Additional Training Date for Citizen Sentries has been scheduled!

The White Iron Chain of Lakes Association’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) focus this summer is to train and develop more volunteer “Sentries” to monitor AIS across our chain of lakes. By each of us keeping our eyes on the condition of our little corners of the lake, we can have a big impact on the prevention of AIS. If you see something unusual in the lake, we have a process for confirming your findings and reporting it to the DNR for immediate action. The faster we identify an infestation, the quicker we can respond to keep it localized or to eliminate it.

By becoming a volunteer Aquatic Invasive Species Sentry, participants will learn:

1. How to distinguish AIS from native species
2. The top AIS threats and the possible impact on our chain of lakes
3. Early detection techniques and how to communicate potential sightings.

In addition to the June training session, WICOLA has now scheduled an additional July Sentry Training Session which is once again FREE for any members who are interested in becoming a Sentry;

Saturday, July 21^st. Sentry Volunteers will meet at the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 9:30am and then head over to Farm Lake for Training.

Included in the training, all participants will go home with:

• A manual of native and invasive species comparison
• A pocket guide to native and invasive species for use at the lakeside
• A special rake for collecting plant samples

If you missed the June Training Session, make sure to attend the July Citizen Sentry Training!

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.