Aquatic Invasive Species Updates
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A message from Paul Schreiber/AIS Coordinator
Greetings friends and Association Members:
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The Lake Thompson Association continues its commitment to being the organizing committee in protecting and preserving the long and rich history of our lake. Our commitment extends to the need of protecting our waters against the devastating effects of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Invasive species, such as Eurasian Watermilfoil vegetation, have had a consequential and negative effect on so many waterways throughout the state and especially the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Being mindful of the importance of keeping our lake free from Invasive Species, our association in partnership with the Department of Natural resources continues to implement a water management campaign titled, “The Lake Thompson Clean Boats Clean Waters” initiative. This program, beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day, centers on thorough boat inspections which takes place at the public landing. Watercrafts are inspected for any vegetation being transported and entering the lake in addition to inspecting live wells to make sure live bait is not being transported from a different body of water. This effort has provided enhanced oversight in mounting a front-line defense against the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species. Through the direction and guidance of the association, the Clean Boats Clean Waters campaign has been recognized as ranking in the top 5% of all state lakes in terms of inspection hours.
Of course, it’s the responsibility of all lake residents to share our vision for a healthy lake. Included on the site is useful information regarding invasive plants which could propose a threat. We encourage all association members and lake visitors to be cognizant of these plants and acknowledge the importance of making sure boats and other watercrafts are free from vegetation, and that live wells are properly drained.
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With the cooperation of our lake members, we can ensure the beauty of our lake for generations to come!
Paul Schreiber
Executive Vice President
Lake Thompson AIS Program
Purple Flowers
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An increasing threat to our lake is the Purple Loosestrife. One of the challenges with this species is that it resembles another plant that is not invasive, the Pickerelweed plant. Please take a few moments to review the details below and if you have any reason to suspect the presence of Purple Loosestrife or have any questions, please contact: info@lakethompsonassociation.com
Good
Pickerelweed
The large pickerelweed plant produces 1 spike of small flowers. The plant is often 3 feet tall, with long, heart-shaped leaves. The flower stem rises above the leaves except 1 leaf that grows behind the flowers. The deep blue flowers are on a spike about 6 inches long and bloom in succession from the bottom up, prolonging the flowering period for several days.
Bad
Purple Loosestrife
Wetland perennial, three to seven feet tall, with up to 50 stems topped with purple flower spikes. One main leader stem, but many side branches often make the plant look bushy. Clipped plants grow back and cut stems readily re-root in the soil to produce new plants. Many areas of the state use safe biocontrol beetles that feed on the loosestrife to keep it in check and allow other plants to grow.
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