Many thanks to Blair Johnston who tested the waters of Kennisis for evidence of Zebra Mussels and Spiny Water Flea.  Evidence of these two foreign invaders has been found in the Lake Kashagawigamog chain.

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF THESE FOREIGN INVADERS

 IN KENNISIS LAKE!

What they did identify in the plankton were:

Eubranchiopoda (Fairy Shrimp)

Rotatonia (Rotifers)

Copepoda (Copepods)

Cladacera (Daphnia, Leptodora)

DON’T ASK ME WHAT THE ABOVE ARE ‘CAUSE I HAVEN’T A CLUE.  BLAIR TELLS ME, HOWEVER, THAT THEY’RE THE GOOD GUYS.

It is vital to the survival of our lake that we do all that is within our power to stop the invasion.  Exotic invaders are spread by boats.  So if you are bringing your boat to Kennisis from another waterway, or if you have visitors or renters who are bringing boats, here are the steps you/they should follow:

v      Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment. Remove visible plants and animals.

v      Drain water from motor, live well, bilge or transom wells on land.

v      Empty bait buckets in land. Never release live bait.

v      Wash/dry your boat, trailer, equipment.  Some species can survive out of water, so it is important to:

Rinse with hot tap water

Or

Spray with high pressure water

Or

Dry your boat/equipment for at least five days before moving to another water body

Signs have been placed at locations where most people launch their boats.  Let’s hope we keep our lake healthy.