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The recent finding of Eurasian water milfoil at Dead Colt Creek in Ransom County serves as a reminder that aquatic nuisance species can surface in North Dakota, and that precautions should be taken to diminish the spread of these undesirable plants and animals.
Waterfowl hunters are urged to clean duck boats, waders and other hunting equipment after each hunting trip, reports Lynn Schlueter, special projects biologist with the department's fisheries division, Devils Lake.
North Dakota does not yet have an overwhelming ANS problem, Schlueter said, and will remain that way if hunters do their part and follow these simple guidelines:
 | Do not use exotic plants when camouflaging a boat. Use terrestrial plants that will not be a problem in other areas. |
| Remove all aquatic plant materials from the boat, motor and trailer. |
| Disinfect the bottom of the boat with a 20-to-1 solution of common chlorine bleach mixture; or rinse thoroughly with hot water of at least 110 degrees. |
| Clean off mud, which may harbor seeds or plant fragments, from all hunting equipment, decoys and waders. |
| Run a brush through a hunting dog's coat to remove any mud and seed. |
ANS prevention methods are not time consuming, Schlueter said, and should be followed to ensure North Dakota's water quality remains in tact.
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