AIS – Citizen Sentry Training, June 23rd

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.

There will be a FREE Sentry Training session for any members who are interested in becoming a Sentry;

Saturday, June 23^rd. Sentry Volunteers will meet at the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 9:30am and then head over to Garden 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

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