Boat Checks for Invasive Species

Lake Vermilion Boat Check Program Began in 2005

In May 2005, the Sportsmen's Club hosted invasive species boat inspection training for 50 people in the parking lot of the Tower DNR facility. Ms. Heidi Wolf, DNR representative from St. Paul, using a boat on a trailer, explained how to look for invasive species in a manner that would not be threatening to the owner/operator.  That was the start of our aggressive boat inspection program.

Since that time, the club volunteers have inspected boats at public ramps on each major holiday. Only once have we found a sprig of Eurasian watermilfoil on a boat trailer. We have been fortunate, since many boats visiting Lake Vermilion have come from Minnetonka, Mille Lacs, Superior, the Mississippi and several other Twin Cities lakes where Eurasian watermilfoil is abundant.

Summary of 2007 - 2009 "Invasive Species" Boat Check Results     by Bob Wilson

A total of 920 boats (and their trailers) were checked as they were entering or exiting Lake Vermilion during the busy weekends shown below. Never did we run into a boat captain who was too busy to chat or didn't share our concern for the invasive species threat to our lake.

We are pleased to report that no invasive species were found on any boat or trailer in 2007 - 2009. The Sportsmen's Club expresses thanks to our Lake Vermilion visitors for being so diligent.

Boat Check Ramp Coordinators and Volunteers

Over 75 volunteers staffed boat ramps in the last three years. We appreciate their assistance. If you'd like to help us do even more in 2010, please contact the Ramp Captain of the boat ramp nearest you or overall activity coordinator Bob Wilson [contact info].