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About Burntside AIS Task Force

In the summer of 2015, a group of Burntside Lake Association members formed an Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force. The Task Force mission statement is:

Aquatic invasive species are already present in many of the pristine waters of Northeastern Minnesota, including Burntside Lake.  In response to this growing threat, the Burntside Lake Association has formed an Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force.  The mission of this task force is to protect Burntside Lake and surrounding lakes and rivers by prevention, detection, and early remediation of these non-native plants and animals. Our excellent water resources, recreational fisheries, and healthy ecosystems depend on the success of our collective efforts to control aquatic invasive species.

The Task Force will use grant funds from Saint Louis County to support the AIS campaign. In order to alert the public to the threat of AIS and the methods of prevention, early detection, and remediation, the Task Force will:

  • prepare and distribute AIS information and educational materials to property owners, resorts, outfitters, bait shops, and other retailers in the Ely area
  • provide trained boat inspectors at Burntside Lake boat launch sites
  • provide boat decontamination stations in the Ely area to thoroughly clean   watercraft and recreational equipment that are contaminated.  Check Burntside.org to find station locations.

There is enthusiasm and support for this initiative in Ely. Lake associations and other community organizations in the greater Ely area have joined this effort to  prevent the introduction or spread of AIS. The Burntside Lake Association is proud to collaborate with Ely area partners to protect our  beautiful lakes and rivers.

The Burntside Lake Association and the AIS Task Force acknowledge with gratitude the assistance and encouragement provided by:

  • City of Ely
  • Eagles Nest Township Lake Association (ENTLA)
  • Ely Area Invasives Team
  • Ely Chamber of Commerce
  • Ely Community Resource (ECO Club)
  • Ely Field Naturalists
  • Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
  • Listening Point Foundation
  • Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates
  • Minnesota Sea Grant
  • North St. Louis County Soil & Water Conservation District
  • St. Louis County Board of Commissioners
  • St. Louis County Planning & Community Development Department
  • St. Louis River Alliance
  • Sportsman's Club of Lake Vermillion (SCLV)
  • United States Forest Service
  • Vermillion Community College
  • White Iron Chain of Lakes Association (WICOLA)
  • Wildlife Forever
  • 1854 Treaty Authority

The work of the Burntside Lake Association AIS Task Force has been generously funded by a grant from Saint Louis County.