“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more people removing the vegetation along their shorelines and it’s causing a chain reaction in the aquatic food web that’s affecting fish, as well as insects and other wildlife," says Tom Langer, a biologist and riparian permit specialist with the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District.

From 2016 to 2023, the number of inspected watercraft In Washington County with drain plug violations dropped from 7% to 1%. This is an indication that watercraft inspections and AIS education programs are working. These watercraft inspectors have also blocked several boats from entering Big Marine Lake with zebra mussels attached.