Page 4 - Round Goby Flipbook

Why are there not more wash
stations and aquatic invasive
species (AIS) educational materials
on the Winnebago system to help stop
the spread of round gobies and
other aquatic invasive species?

There are 60+ public access points on the Winnebago System (Winnebago,
Poygan, Butte des Morts, and Winneconne). Of the approximately 32 boat launches,

only one of them is owned and managed by the DNR: High Cliff State Park.
The other boat launches are owned and operated by counties, townships, cities, or pri-

vate organizations. The DNR and AIS Outreach Coordinators work with the
operators of these launches on AIS outreach and prevention. These owners often agree to
put up invasive species signage at their launches. As part of the Winnebago Waterways AIS
Program, the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance will be working to ensure that AIS signs are placed in

more visible locations throughout the Winnebago system. One of the challenges with
different owners/managers of boat launches is that it is up to those owners to construct and
maintain any AIS removal facilities such as: boat wash stations, rakes, brushes, etc. The DNR can
recommend these facilities, but the final decision and construction/maintenance costs would be the
responsibility of the entities that own and manage the boat launches. There are opportunities for
grant funding to hire Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) interns or to work with the launch owners
to construct a wash station. CBCW interns are stationed at launches throughout the system to help
educate the public about invasive species and the related regulations that are in place to help
stop their spread. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance invites you to join us as we work with

regional partners and stakeholders to develop a Lake Management Plan and an AIS
Strategic Plan for the Winnebago Lakes. These documents will be used to recommend

improvements that can be made in the Winnebago System.

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