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Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Aquatic invasive species have the ability to significantly alter the way we use and enjoy our lakes. As the name suggests, invasive species are non-native plant and animals. Once out of their native environment, they quickly spread due to the lack of a "checks and balances" system since they often leave their predators and competitors behind. Once invasive species are established, native plants and animals as well as humans can suffer. Native plants can be overtaken and fish populations can decline. The effects of aquatic invasive species can interfere with swimming, boating and fishing activities.
In 2008, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved the Illegal Transport of Aquatic Plants and Invasive Animals Ordinance. More information on the ordinance can be found here.
In conjunction with the Wapo/Bear Trap Sanitary District, the Lake Association participates in WI DNR's Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) program. CBCW staff work the Garfield Park boat landing on weekends throughout the summer.
If you spot a potential AIS violation, you may report it using this form.
Lake Wapogasset & Bear Trap Lake have curly leaf pondweed, Chinese mystery snail and zebra mussels. Our lakes DO NOT have Eurasian water milfoil, purple loosestrife or banded mystery snail.
In the Summer of 2022, yellow iris was identified on a small number of properties around WBT. The Lake Association voted to hire a contractor to professionally treat the identified plants in 2023. In the Fall of 2022, zebra mussels were discovered in Wapogasset. More information about this discovery can be found here.
Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is everyone's responsibility. For more information, check out the following links. These links contain great information as well as pictures and interactive maps.
Aquatic invasive species have the ability to significantly alter the way we use and enjoy our lakes. As the name suggests, invasive species are non-native plant and animals. Once out of their native environment, they quickly spread due to the lack of a "checks and balances" system since they often leave their predators and competitors behind. Once invasive species are established, native plants and animals as well as humans can suffer. Native plants can be overtaken and fish populations can decline. The effects of aquatic invasive species can interfere with swimming, boating and fishing activities.
In 2008, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved the Illegal Transport of Aquatic Plants and Invasive Animals Ordinance. More information on the ordinance can be found here.
In conjunction with the Wapo/Bear Trap Sanitary District, the Lake Association participates in WI DNR's Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) program. CBCW staff work the Garfield Park boat landing on weekends throughout the summer.
If you spot a potential AIS violation, you may report it using this form.
Lake Wapogasset & Bear Trap Lake have curly leaf pondweed, Chinese mystery snail and zebra mussels. Our lakes DO NOT have Eurasian water milfoil, purple loosestrife or banded mystery snail.
In the Summer of 2022, yellow iris was identified on a small number of properties around WBT. The Lake Association voted to hire a contractor to professionally treat the identified plants in 2023. In the Fall of 2022, zebra mussels were discovered in Wapogasset. More information about this discovery can be found here.
Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is everyone's responsibility. For more information, check out the following links. These links contain great information as well as pictures and interactive maps.