McGrew addresses efforts to stop spread of AIS
News | Published on June 10, 2025 at 3:26pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist and chairperson of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee, addressed county lakeshore property owners May 31 at Thumper Pond.
“Zebra mussels have invaded close to 1,000 lakes in Minnesota, but we have been able to keep them out of the other 9,000 lakes in our state,” McGrew said. “The key to success is action which we can control and by fishing enthusiasts doing the right thing.”
As the AIS Specialist for Otter Tail County, McGrew leads a team of 25 trained watercraft inspectors who conducted 11,307 inspections in 2024. There are 115 public water accesses in Otter Tail County which has 1,048 lakes, more than any other county in the United States.
McGrew has also collaborated to install 16 I-LIDS camera systems at public accesses, launched two public rinse stations on high-traffic lakes and actively engages with schools and community organizations to raise awareness about AIS prevention. The motto for several years has been, “Stop aquatic hitchhikers.”
Aquatic Invasive Species can damage healthy aquatic ecosystems and threaten vibrant recreational resources.
“Locally, we work with Otter Tail County bait dealers, resorts, lake associations, area counties, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and others,” McGrew said. “McGrew’s leadership in Otter Tail County has been instrumental in developing and implementing effective AIS prevention initiatives, and his new role as state chairperson allows him to bring his expertise and leadership to the statewide level.
Across Minnesota, low concentrations of copper sulfate help control zebra mussel populations without harming native fish. “The goal is to control them as much as possible,” McGrew said.
Lakeshore property owners have lobbied Minnesota legislators to not cut state funding in the fight against Aquatic Invasive Species. McGrew, during his address May 31 at Thumper Pond, thanked attendees for contacting their state legislators
Tips when entering, leaving boat access
Upon arrival at the boat access, make sure your boat plug is removed and no vegetation is hanging on the trailer.
Before leaving the boat access be sure to clean off your boat and trailer by removing all plants, mud debris and organisms from the exterior and interior. This includes angling equipment and anchors.