Don’t Pick Up Aquatic Hitchhikers in Voyageurs

Don’t Pick Up Aquatic Hitchhikers in Voyageurs

PROBLEMS

•Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)

Don’t Pick Up Aquatic Hitchhikers in Voyageurs

•Problems: impacts to water; impacts to wildlife

•Management Strategies: reduce the impact of use

•Management Practices: rules and regulations; law enforcement; information/education

•Specific to smaller interior lakes•Private watercraft prohibited•Canoe and rowboat rentals ($10/day)•Float planes not allowed on interior lakes

•Only artificial bait for fishing•Fines

2010 Boating and Fishing Regulations

•All lakes in park•Separate gear for interior and large lakes

•Dry gear for five days or more•Wash gear in hot water for one minute or more

•Remove any plant or animal material from fishing equipment

•Inspect boats and trailers, drain water, and remove aquatic plants, animals and mud

Best Management Practices

Voyageurs National Park

•Spiny Water Flea Creeping Closer to Lake Champlain (2:22)

•Flea Stripper (0:40)•Spiny Water Flea Public Service Announcement (1:30)

•Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (2:56)

Don’t Pick Up Aquatic Hitchhikers in Voyageurs