Lake Vermilion At The Center Of Intensive Aquatic Invasive Species Fight

Lake Vermilion looms large both on the map of Northern Minnesota and in the hearts and minds of many northland anglers;  the large lake is a favorite destination of fishermen trying their luck at catching a keeper.  In order to keep the waterway clear of Aquatic Invasive Species, the North St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District has taken an aggressive, proactive tract.

Since the fishing opener, agents with the district have been posted at Vermilion's 12 public access points.  The North St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District hired 25 inspectors to search for and educate against aquatic intruders.

According to an article in the Timberjay newspaper, the project has gotten off to a successful start.  In the first two weeks, inspectors haven't issued any citations and anglers seem to be on board;  they also found no invasive species during their inspections.  However, officials did caution that as the summer progresses, this might change.  This early in the season, many of the boats checked had only been out for their maiden voyage in Lake Vermilion and hadn't been anywhere else.