Via the St. Croix River Association:

The St. Croix River Association (SCRA), Polk County Land and Water Resources Department (Polk County LWRD), National Park Service (NPS), River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) will host a training and paddle to teach citizens how to monitor for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in rivers.  Paddlers, fisherman, water quality monitors, shoreline owners, and river enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.

AIS are non-native species that cause environmental or economic harm, or harm to human health. AIS in the St. Croix River include zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, bighead carp, rusty crayfish, and Asian clams. AIS are a threat to the overall health of the St. Croix River and its tributaries. The introduction of aggressive invasive species into this complex system threatens the ecological integrity of the river as well as the unique cultural resources and our outdoor heritage.

Project RED (riverine early detectors) is a monitoring program that trains citizens to identify and report invasive species within river corridors statewide.  During the free training, SCRA, Polk County LWRD, and NPS will teach you to monitor your river by canoe, kayak, or on foot for species of concern.  They will help you choose locations and a monitoring schedule that are convenient to you.  They will also provide you with online data management tools available from the Wisconsin DNR that help you report your findings.  The protocols are easy and fun.  In addition, you can use this activity to become more familiar with your river or stream and to engage your friends and neighbors!

Species of concern include purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, Phragmites, flowering rush, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil, zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnail, and yellow iris.

The Project RED training is scheduled for July 19, 2019 from 10 AM to 4 PM in St. Croix Falls.  A paddle on the St. Croix River will be held during the afternoon portion of the event.  Canoes, kayaks and life jackets will be provided.

Contact:

• Katelin Anderson, Information and Education Coordinator and Water Quality Specialist, Polk County Land and Water Resources Department
  (715) 485-8637 | katelin.anderson@co.polk.wi.us
• Katie Sickmann, Invasive Species Coordinator, St. Croix River Association
  (715) 483-3300 | katies@scramail.com

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