Our latest project, AIS cleaning stations and tools

How did ACCL select the tools used?

DNR field observational studies and interviews of watercraft users confirmed that when AIS cleaning stations & tools existed

• boaters are 1.4 times more likely to stop & clean watercraft

• 4 times more likely to use tools when provided AND spent an additional 2 minutes removing vegetation

• 12% of boaters used tools provided

• Stations in place longer displayed increased cleaning and tool usage: 5 years (13%) / 2-3 years (12%) / 1 year (8%)

• 27% of boaters interviewed said that the absence of tools prevented their removing vegetation

DNR Study Interviews

  • Boaters interviewed stated Grabber most preferred tool

  • Rank order (least preferred to most): Hand cleaning, Boat Plug Wrench, Aqua Weed Stick, Grabber

  • Observers rated the Aqua Weed Stick most effective for removal

  • 27% wanted a place to put removed vegetation

How is the station location determined?

  • An AIS tool station should fit within the current site design, not interfere with public use of the site, and not cause any safety hazards. The best place to have an AIS tool station is adjacent to the take-out pathway at the tie-down area of a water access; this is the most convenient location for people to take AIS prevention actions.

  • Every site is unique. Not all sites are feasible. Things to consider include, but are not limited to:

  • Site layout

  • AIS goals

  • Site development (e.g. paved vs. unpaved)

  • Safety, maneuverability, traffic volume and types of use

  • Accessibility requirements

  • Current infrastructure (e.g. other signage, bathrooms, kiosks, etc.) 

What about Lost Tools?

In 2023, Cass County had one location where all four tools were taken; at two other locations only the long handle brush and grabber were taken (out of 49 locations).

The Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL) working with Cass County SWCD, ACCL Lake Association members, private resorts, and Lake Service Providers (LSP), is completing the installation of 100 Self-Service AIS Cleaning Station Signs & Tools at public and private Cass County water accesses and has identified 200 additional locations for Cleaning Station installation.Our leadership team bring years of experience to bear on the greatest challenge of our time. We are results driven, with a proven record of previous successes.

Cass County SWCD and ACCL Joint Efforts / Cost Sharing Approach

  • Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and ACCL agreed to work jointly to place 100 AIS Cleaning Station Signs & Tools at public and private water access locations in Cass County.

  • ACCL surveyed our member Lake Associations, and Resorts, Service Providers, and private access landowners located in Cass County. SWCD and ACCL also identified infested water locations for placement of cleaning station signs & tools, some did not have any lake association for a potential sponsor. As a result of the survey response and infested water analysis, SWCD agreed to a 50% cost share.

  • ACCL purchased the materials for 100 AIS Cleaning Station Signs, Posts, Tools and mounting Hardware.

  • Lake associations requesting materials paid approximately 40% of the cost upon distribution of materials.

  • At infested water locations without a cost-sharing sponsor, ACCL and SWCD each share 50% of the material cost

  • SWCD reimburses ACCL 50% of the material cost following installation confirmation.

ACCL and Cass County will work with Lake Associations, Resorts, Campgrounds, and Tribal locations to place AIS Cleaning Stations and Signs on public and private access locations.

For more information Contact: CleaningStations@ACCLakes.org

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