Protect Against Aquatic Species

The best way we can protect our lake against AIS, is to check and clean all your water gear. This includes boats, docks, PWDs, floats, skis, ropes, bumpers, and anchors. If it goes in the water, it should be cleaned!  

Cleaning at the start of the season is a great way to safely check your equipment before you put it in the water. Below are steps the WI DNR recommends. 

  • INSPECT your boat, trailer, and all equipment. 
  • REMOVE any attached aquatic plants/animals
    • Before launching, after loading, and before hitting the road
  • DRAIN all water from boats, motors, and all equipment
  • DISPOSE of unwanted bait in trash bin
  • NEVER MOVE live fish away from waterbody
  • BUY minnows from WI bait dealers

Check out this great handbook from the Minnesota DNR, or talk to Mike LeRoy or Jim Whitney, our Clean Water Clean Boats volunteers, on how to best clean your boats and gear before putting your boat in or before transferring between waterways. 

AIS & Big Siss in 2025

This year, in an effort to continue our fight against the Eurasian Aquatic Milfoil, we continue to contract with the firm, Aquatic Plant Management, for Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) treatment to address the ongoing colonies developing in the lake. 

We use our Lake Management Plan, to develop data driven and action-oriented activities. In partnership with the DNR, County, and other key technical partners, as well as the support and participation of Association Members, we can work towards the goal of ensuring the short- and long-term health of Big Sissabagama Lake for the present stakeholders and generations to come.