AIS Identification

Long Lake Area Association has been working very hard to keep any invasive species out of Long Lake. Our Foundation has raised money to help inspect boats and trailers.   We conduct observations to detect Veligers and adult Zebra Mussels in the lake as well as monitor plants to detect invasive species early.  But a few association volunteers can not cover the entire lake.

Everyone who uses the lake needs to be on the look out for invasive species.  This page is meant to be used as a quick identification guide.  If you suspect a weed or mussel, use this guide as a start.  Then notify Nicole Kovar, Invasive Species Specialist - MNDNR at (218)-616-8102. and the Association (longlakeliving@gmail.com).

Starry Stonewort: AIS Starry Stonework ID guide:  Starry stonewort is a non-native species of large algae in the Characeae family. It has whorls of 4-6 long branchlets. It is more robust than most members of its family, and can grow to over two meters tall.  Anchored by colorless filaments (rhizoids) that contain up to several dozen 4-5mm, star-shaped bulbils, starry stonewort typically grows in marl sediments of alkaline lakes, up to 9 meters deep.  video of starry stonewort

The zebra mussel is a small shellfish named for the striped pattern of its shell. Color patterns can vary to the point of having only dark or light colored shells and no stripes. It is typically found attached to objects, surfaces, or other mussels by threads extending from underneath the shells. Although similar in appearance to the quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), the two species can be easily distinguished. When placed on a surface zebra mussels are stable on their flattened underside while quagga mussels, lacking a flat underside, will fall over.  DNR Zebra Mussel ID guide

watermilfoil

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum [1] or spiked water-milfoil) is native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa. It is a submerged aquatic plant, and grows in still or slow-moving water.

Curly Leaf Pond weed grows from the shore to depths of up to 15 feet.  Leaves are somewhat stiff
and crinkled, approximately 1/2-inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long; leaves are arranged alternately around the stem, and become more dense toward the end of branches; produces winter buds.

Links for more detailed information: 
Hubbard County COLA Identification page
DNR Invasive Aquatic ID guide
Hubbard County COLA Lake Monitoring Plan