Our precious Iowa Great Lakes Chain are threatened by invasive species, that would change the entire system and ruin the fishery as well as greatly affect the tourist industry the area depends upon so much. Last year the DNR caught a Big Head carp in a net. I believe the jumping Silver Carp will be close behind the Big Head, if it is not already here. We are in danger of Zebra Mussel infestation, and Eurasian Milfoil,and many other species all of which are in the systems in Minnesota,Wisconsin and Illinois. The Upper Great Plains Chapter of Muskies Inc. has found some funding to put an electrical barrier at the outlet at the lower end of Lower Gar. I fear that may be too little too late but one can be hopeful.
I think that the Iowa Legislature should give serious consideration to funding an Invasive Species research facility at Iowa State University in conjunction with the DNR to see what, if anything can be done. Minnesota is talking about doing this as well. Maybe it should be joint effort and be an upper midwest states facility. I don't know but something should be done and quickly or our wonderful waters as we know and love them will be history.
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