State Agencies Recognize ANS Awareness Week
May 3–9 is Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, encourage all recreationists to take an active role in preventing the spread of ANS to the state’s waters through awareness and responsible recreation.
ANS are nonnative organisms that can disrupt natural habitats, impact recreational opportunities, damage equipment and infrastructure, and create long-term environmental and economic consequences.
Ben Holen, Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said “ANS have the potential to impact the daily lives of every single North Dakotan. This Awareness Week is a collaborative effort by the state and members of the North Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Committee to highlight small actions that go a long way to prevent the introduction of ANS in North Dakota’s waters.”
North Dakota currently has low numbers of aquatic nuisance species. Other than zebra mussels, just a few invasive plants and animals – curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and grass, bighead, silver and common carp – are found in some state waters. But, preventing their spread is critical to maintaining healthy lakes, rivers and water systems across North Dakota.
“Protecting North Dakota’s water resources is a shared responsibility,” said Department of Water Resources director Reice Haase. “By taking a few simple precautions, individuals can play an important role in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species and preserving our waters for current and future generations.”
The public should to follow these best practices every time they are on the water:
- Clean – Remove all plants, animals, and debris from watercraft and equipment.
- Drain – Drain all water from boats, motors, and equipment before leaving an access point.
- Dry – Allow all equipment to dry completely before using it again.
For more information on aquatic nuisance species, visit the department’s website at gf.nd.gov.