Lake Vermilion Businesses Expand On-Site AIS Boat Inspection Services

The partnership to protect Lake Vermilion from aquatic invasive species (AIS) continues to grow thanks to three resorts and a marina on the west end of Vermilion.

Vermilion Dam Lodge, Pehrson Lodge Resort, White Eagle Resort, and Timbuktu Marina have begun a 2016 pilot project to develop the most effective ways to provide AIS inspection services for their customers. North St Louis SWCD and the Sportsmen’s Club of Lake Vermilion (SCLV) are facilitating the project.

“The Lake Vermilion Resort Association asked the SCLV how its members could go beyond what they are already doing to help fight AIS,” said Terry Grosshauser, Sportsmen’s Club president. “We are pleased with their enthusiasm and expect what we learn together this year will extend to many additional resorts, campgrounds and marinas in 2017.”

The four businesses will each approach the challenge differently, matched to their unique situation. In some cases, their employees will be trained as Level 1 AIS inspectors, while current inspectors from North

St Louis SWCD may be used in other situations. Incoming resort/marina guests will be invited to stop at the boat cleaning station at the Country Store in Cook as they travel to Lake Vermilion.

Another boat cleaning station with a decontamination unit is located at the Y Store near Tower.

Lake Vermilion boat inspection and cleaning activities are funded by a grant from St Louis County’s AIS Prevention Program.