Lose the Hitchhikers, Or Lose Your Lake (Part 9)

Preventing the arrival or spread aquatic nuisance species is as important as preventing
habitat destruction. Native or desirable fish and wildlife populations cannot thrive 
without sufficient habitat, nor can they thrive with competition from invaders.

Think of it this way. Every common carp in our lakes and rivers could be a walleye, 
northern pike or jumbo perch instead.

The challenge of keeping aquatic nuisance species outside our borders seems almost 
overwhelming. It can be done, if all of us – anglers, hunters, boaters and everyone else 
who enjoys our waters – does their part. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes to 
make sure you lose those hitchhikers, than to spend hundreds of thousands of angler 
dollars fighting them once they’re here.

Remember, it’s your choice. We’d rather lose the hitchhikers than lose our lakes.