Commit to Helping Protect & Preserve Long Lake
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a continuing concern for Long Lake. Several invasive species are already present in the lake, making prevention, monitoring, and management important to protecting its water quality and ecosystem.
LLAA works with volunteers, government agencies, and other partners to monitor and report AIS, coordinate management efforts, educate lake users about prevention, and support watercraft inspections. The LLAA Foundation and government grants help fund these efforts. Learn more about current grant funding.
Everyone who uses Long Lake can help prevent the spread of AIS by cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft and equipment before moving between lakes.
AIS Management & Monitoring on Long Lake
Several aquatic invasive species are present in Long Lake. LLAA monitors these species and takes action as needed.
Starry Stonewort
UNDER ACTIVE MANAGEMENT
Present near the South Access. Management includes hand-pulling, chemical treatment, and a benthic barrier. The three-year variance for the burlap barrier ends after the 2026 season.
Curly-Leaf Pondweed
MITIGATION PLANNED FOR 2026
Discovered at the South Public Water Access in 2025. Mitigation was planned and funded for 2026.
Zebra Mussels
MONITORING
Long Lake is listed as infested, but no reproducing adult population has been found. Only one zebra mussel veliger has been detected in plankton-net samples since the lake was listed in 2020. LLAA continues to monitor zebra mussel settlement samplers around the lake.
Faucet Snails
PRESENT
Present in Long Lake. LLAA monitors their presence and distribution.
How LLAA Monitors for AIS
LLAA volunteers use several methods to monitor Long Lake for aquatic invasive species and detect new infestations as early as possible.
Volunteers conduct near-shoreline monitoring along neighborhood routes and check zebra mussel settlement samplers around the lake. A specialized plankton net is also used to collect samples from deeper water for microscopic organisms such as zebra mussel veligers and spiny water fleas. Plankton samples are analyzed by trained professionals. No spiny water fleas have been detected to date.
LLAA AIS Detectors also investigate reports of possible invasive species. If you think you have found an aquatic invasive species on Long Lake, email stewardship@longlakeliving.org.
Early detection helps LLAA and its partners respond to new AIS and, when possible, limit their spread within Long Lake and to other waters.
Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
Everyone who uses Long Lake can help prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading between lakes.
Before leaving a water access:
CLEAN
Remove plants and animals from watercraft, trailers, and equipment.
DRAIN
Drain all water and keep drain plugs out during transport.
DISPOSE
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
DRY
Dry watercraft and equipment before using them in another body of water.
Cleaning Tools Are Available
Cleaning tools are available at Long Lake’s public water accesses. A CD3 watercraft-cleaning system is available 24/7 at the South Access to help boaters clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and equipment.
Learn to Identify and Report AIS
Knowing what to look for can help detect new invasive species early. Use these Minnesota DNR resources to:
- Identify Aquatic Invasive Animal Species — including zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, faucet snails, rusty crayfish, and mystery snails.
- Identify Aquatic Invasive Plant Species — including purple loosestrife, starry stonewort, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curly-leaf pondweed.
If you find a suspected aquatic invasive species on Long Lake, save a sample when practical and email stewardship@longlakeliving.org. LLAA AIS Detectors can help investigate possible AIS.
Visit the Minnesota DNR Invasive Species website for additional information about aquatic invasive species.
Report a Suspected New Infestation
To report a suspected new aquatic invasive species infestation, contact the local Minnesota DNR Invasive Species Specialist at (218) 537-6100.
Minnesota DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Contacts
Know the Rules
Minnesota has specific laws designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. View Minnesota AIS laws and regulations.
Before moving docks, lifts, or rafts from one waterbody to another, follow Minnesota DNR requirements for drying and decontamination. Learn more about watercraft decontamination.
Report AIS violations to the Minnesota DNR TIP line: 1-800-652-9093.
Watercraft Inspection Statistics
Watercraft inspections at Long Lake’s North and South public accesses help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Hubbard County Environmental Services provides annual inspection reports with detailed statistics for Long Lake and other area lakes.
View Hubbard County AIS information and inspection reports.
- Hubbard County Aquatic Invasive Species Tracker: — View known AIS infestations in lakes throughout Hubbard County.
Support AIS Prevention & Lake Stewardship
LLAA membership, volunteers, and Foundation support help fund AIS monitoring, treatment, education, and long-term lake stewardship efforts on Long Lake.