GCOLA pits technology against invasive species
The Gull Chain of Lakes Association is installing three new devices at Gull Lake boat accesses to increase the level of protection against introduction of invasive species into the Gull Chain.
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New technology has been used to develop the devices - Internet Landing Installed Device Sensors. The devices use cameras to monitor and record each boat launch during all daylight hours all season.
Developed by a company - Environmental Sentry Protection (www.environmentalsentry.com) in Plymouth - the sensor devices are being mounted this spring at the three major boat launches on Gull Lake. The GCOLA hired DNR interns to monitor and educate at the main boat launch at Zorbaz in the past, but the interns' time there was limited and the effectiveness of this program was always a question.
A sign that will greet boaters at Gull Lake boat accesses.
ILIDS are video cameras, motion detectors and solar panels in stainless steel enclosures. When an approaching vehicle is detected, the camera turns on to record a short video. In addition to boat license numbers, the video shows whether or not plants can be spotted on the trailer or boat motor. The video is then transmitted wirelessly to a nearby high-speed data access point, and then to a central monitoring area at Environmental Sentry Protection headquarters.
Devices using cameras to monitor and record each boat launch during all daylight hours all season will be installed at Gull Lake boat accesses.
Although these videos may be used by the DNR for enforcement, the devices have been shown to be very effective on other lakes in creating an environment in which boat owners are more aware of the possibility of invasive species transmission and more responsible about cleaning their boats and trailers before launch. (Water from live wells and bait containers also should be drained before a boat is moved from one lake to another.) New warning signs explaining the functioning of the video devices also will be installed.
Although zebra mussels and Eurasian water-milfoil have taken root in many Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes, the Gull Chain of Lakes has remained free of both. The mussels can completely cover dock equipment and present many sharp edges that are a problem for swimmers. Eurasian water-milfoil is a submergent, rooted aquatic plant that grows in water 3 to 15 feet deep. It can become so thick that boats cannot get through it and swimming is impossible. Once these invasive species are established, treatment options are very expensive and have limited effectiveness.