County board asks VNP superintendent for information on spiny waterflea

New regulations for the lakes located in Voyageurs National Park can be expected because of the spiny waterflea infestation.
VNP Superintendent Kate Miller spoke to the Koochiching County Board Tuesday about the proposed regulations.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated Rainy Lake as infested by spiny waterflea in July 2006, which kicks in new regulations on the lakes, Miller said.
VNP is working with the DNR and is in contact with fishery managers about the best management practices regarding the infestation and measures to prevent the spread of the infestation.
“We’re learning and are going to propose stricter restrictions on interior lakes to prevent the spread,” Miller said.
Some of the new regulations proposed for the 25 interior lakes located on the Kabetogama Peninsula in VNP are that only artificial bait can be used and no private boats or float planes can be used on the lakes, Miller said. The park provides 20 canoes and rowboats for use on the interior lakes.
A public comment period on the proposed regulations is expected and an educational program on the spiny waterflea is planned. The park is trying to get information about the new regulations out early so that people know about them, Miller said.
The proposed regulations will help the park get a handle on where the waterflea is and isn’t located, Miller said.
“We will be doing research. We will be monitoring,” Miller said.
Protecting the water from the infestation is in the best interests of the fisheries and the public, Miller said. Eventually the infestation can be expected in all lakes, but prevention can help delay the infestation, Miller said.
Miller told the board that a biologist is available to provide more information to the board about the infestation.
Commissioner Kallie Briggs pointed out that the infestation could affect the fisheries, which will impact tourism in the area.
Miller also told the board about a cold water fish virus that has been identified in Lake Superior. The virus has already been found in the eastern Great Lakes and it is devastating the fisheries in the lakes, Miller said.