The introduction of non-native species to any ecosystem can cause serious disruption of natural ecological processes. Minnesota lakes have suffered from the unintended introductions of a number of foreign species, such as zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, curly-leaf pondweed, and numerous others to many lakes. So far there are no indications of zebra mussels, the worst of the worst, in Hubbard County, but they are present in adjacent counties. Zebra mussels proliferate rapidly, coating the bottom of lake with razor-sharp shells and fouling boat motors and docks and other solid structures.
The State of Minnesota has begun providing $10 million annually to fund boat inspectors in many counties, and Little Sand Lake is one of the beneficiaries. Inspectors, hired and managed by our local SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District), educate boaters about AIS and what they need to do to prevent inadvertent introduction of these pests to the lakes they fish or boat. Contaminated boats are also directed to a decontamination station located near the Park Rapids transfer station. For a quick reference pictorial guide to some of the AIS species, click here.
The Little Sand Lake Healthy Lakes Committee conducts periodic surveys of the lake during the summer to determine if various invasive plants are present. To date all of the plant species we have found are native to the area and indicate healthy water conditions. Residents are asked to hang small cinder blocks from their dock and inspect them periodically to see if there is any evidence of zebra mussels attaching. These cinder blocks are available from the lake association or from COLA. Click here to learn more. Hubbard COLA- AIS.
Available Reports
This section is for you to view all reports for Little Sand Lake, and surrounding lakes regarding aquatic species , vegetation mapping and public access reports.
- 2022 Little Sand Lake Vegetation Mapping Final RMB Report
- 2023 LSLAA Annual Meeting Presentation Slides for Final RMB Report
- Little Sand EOY 2015
- HC AIS 2015 Reports
- Year-End Data Lakes
Video Learning
Know Invasive Species Laws and Learn to Identify Aquatic Invasive Species! Check out this video to help keep Little Sand Lake clean and healthy:
Local Resources
Hubbard County Environmental Services has many resources including the following:
Help Protect Minnesota Waters Brochure: Outlines current Minnesota AIS laws and recommendations. Includes photographs and information to help identify AIS and includes precautions boaters and anglers can take to prvent the spread of invasive species..
Prevention Cards: Two-sided cards that list the steps recreational users can take to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Boater
Angler
Shoreline Resident