Protecting Big Sand
Aquatic invasive species: what is in the lake, what we watch for, and what every boater and shoreline owner can do.
Where things stand
In November 2025, the Minnesota DNR confirmed zebra mussels in Big Sand Lake. We can’t undo that, but we can slow their spread and, just as important, keep other invasive species out. Several invaders together do much more damage to water quality and habitat than one alone.
Watch for these three
Early detection gives treatment the best chance of working. Please learn to recognize our three highest-risk invasive plants:
- Starry stonewort
- Eurasian watermilfoil
- Curly-leaf pondweed
Every time you leave the water
For boats, trailers and gear at every access
Clean
Remove aquatic plants, zebra mussels and mud from your boat, trailer and gear before you leave the water access or your shoreline property. Moving aquatic plants is against state law.
Drain
Drain all water, including bait containers, live wells and bilges, by pulling the drain plug before you leave the water access or your shoreline property. Keep plugs out while you trailer.
Dispose
Put unwanted bait in the trash. Never release bait or other animals into the lake.
Dry
Let boats and gear dry before you launch somewhere else.
What you can do
- Clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and gear every time you leave the water.
- Check docks, lifts, and equipment when they come out each fall.
- Join Eyes on the Water: walk your shoreline regularly and fill out the Hubbard COLA survey each late summer.
- Support watercraft inspections with a gift to the Charitable Lake Fund.
Our prevention work
BSLA started volunteer boat inspections at the public access in 2010. Today, trained watercraft inspectors staff the access each summer; in 2026, a grant from the Big Sand Lake Charitable Fund helped pay for 1,400 hours of inspection. Volunteers also hang zebra mussel samplers around the lake, test for zebra mussel larvae (veligers), and inspect docks and lifts each fall. Hiring professional services, we have conducted early AIS detection and have mapped the lake’s aquatic plants (2009, 2023, 2026).
In March 2026 the board adopted a Comprehensive AIS Management Plan built around five focus areas: Communicate, Track, Treat, Prevent, and Resource. Together, these areas are intended to show how the board will respond to the current zebra mussel infestation while also preparing for future aquatic invasive species threats.
The board's approach combines public communication, field monitoring, exploration of treatment options, prevention measures at access points and properties, and expansion of financial and volunteer capacity. The result is a practical management framework that assigns actions, sub-actions, timelines, and point people so responsibilities are visible and easier to follow.
Give to the Charitable Fund to support watercraft inspection
Found something suspicious?
Put a sample in a bag with lake water and take it to the DNR office at 301 Grove Ave. S., Park Rapids, or email bsla@bigsandlake.com.
Reports
2009 Aquatic Survey Professionals Big Sand Lake Vegetation Report (PDF, 21 MB)
2023 Aquatic Survey Professionals Big Sand Lake Aquatic Plant Survey (PDF, 4.5 MB)
2026 Aquatic Survey Professionals Big Sand Lake Meandering Early Detection Survey
Questions about invasive species?
Email the board or write to us. For a suspected new invader, take the sample to the DNR office in Park Rapids first.