Minnesota and Anoka County waters are threatened by aquatic invasive species (AIS). Invasive species are not native to Minnesota and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species reaching Anoka County waterways threaten lake and river communities.

It is illegal to transport any aquatic plants, zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails or other prohibited invasive species, or to launch a boat or trailer with these species attached.

Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department’s AIS Coordinator and a crew of seven watercraft inspectors will work the waterways seven days a week through Labor Day. View the video (YouTube, Anoka County; 2:00) of watercraft inspectors and boaters working together to keep invasive species out of Anoka County lakes and rivers.

REPORT AN AIS.  If you are interested in reporting the location of an invasive species or need help identifying a potential invasive species, please click on the link that best describes what you are interested in.

• Aquatic plant (examples: Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, flowering rush, purple loosestrife)
• Aquatic animal (examples: invasive carp, zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, spiny waterflea)
• Terrestrial plant (examples: Oriental bittersweet, Grecian foxglove, yellow starthistle)
• Terrestrial animal (examples: Emerald Ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, mute swan, Eurasian swine)