BE A HERO TRANSPORT ZERO!

Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce is proud to have partnered up with several counties in Minnesota with a common goal of fighting the spread of aquatic invaders. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are harmful to all Minnesota Lakes. They are non-native plants, animals and pathogens that primarily live in water. These AIS thrive in new environments and can cause devastating economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health. We hope these fun videos will help spread awareness and protect our “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Our videos focus on Zebra Mussels, Starry Stonewort, Spiny Waterflea, and Eurasian Watermilfoil, to learn about all the species please check out the Minnesota DNR website. Enjoy and be sure to share!

Remove Weeds

Be a hero, transport zero! Always remove weeds from your watercraft and equipment before leaving lake access. Look twice to make sure all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species are gone.

Drain All Water

Be a hero, transport zero! Drain those invaders by making sure all water is drained from your watercraft before leaving the lake access. It is important that ALL equipment that holds water be drained such as: boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, and motor, Remove drain plugs before leaving. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft. It is MN Law.

Clean Off Your Anchor

Be a hero, transport zero! Don’t forget your anchor! Be sure to remove all weeds from the anchor before leaving the lake access. Go ahead and run that motor too for a few seconds while you’re at it to discharge water before leaving a water access.

Dry 21 Days Before Moving Dock or Lift

Be a hero, transport zero! Thinking about selling or buying a new/used dock, lift, or raft? Make sure if your selling it has been allowed to dry for 21 days before moving to another lake or river. If your buying a dock, lift or raft that is used be sure to ask if it has been dried for 21 days before moving it to your lake or river.

Use Decon Stations

Be a hero, transport zero! Dozens of courtesy decontamination stations are located all over the state of MN. The MN DNR provides this to help you comply with invasive species laws and reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. See what to expect on the MN DNR website and here is a map of decon station locations.

Drain Livewell

Be a hero, transport zero! Your livewell can keep more than just fish or bait alive… it can transport invaders! Don’t forget about the drain bilge, livewell and baitwell.

Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of those who do their part to keep our lake safe. Together we can all be heroes!