In response to the Sept. 9 story, "Blame us not ducks, for spreading spiny water fleas," about AIS.
The article states that invasive species are confirmed in "only about" 8% of all MN lakes and rivers. This statistic drastically understates the severity of the situation in myriad ways. Our largest lakes such as Mille Lacs, Vermillion, Leech, Red and Lake of the Woods which are part of that 8%, comprise a much larger percent when calculated as surface area. They are all important fisheries and therefore have a lot of boat traffic and multiple access points apiece, which cannot possibly be monitored 24/7 for AIS control.
Also, the statistic does not even count common carp, Chinese mystery snail, rusty crayfish, and curlyleaf pondweed in the assessment.
So please, let's all be diligent in our efforts to mitigate AIS and follow the science.
Catherine McGoldrick
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Mission Township
