Shell Lake Boat Landing FAQs

The newly established boat-launching fee at the Shell Lake landing has generated a number of questions from users. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to answer the most common points.

Why this inspection system? To prevent non-native (exotic) plant and animal life from being introduced into Shell Lake. The primary concerns are Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) and zebra mussels. The fees are used only to partially fund this inspection program

Why only at Shell Lake? We have been forced to install a $2Million artificial diversion drainage system to control lake level. The Wisconsin DNR has mandated that this diversion may be shut down if exotic species are discovered in the lake. Shell Lake is ideal for many recreational uses which would be badly affected if exotics are accidentally introduced.. Many nearby lakes already have exotics that have been accidentally introduced by boaters. For example, other lakes in Washburn County with EWM include Shallow (only 6 miles away), Nancy, and Beaver Dam in neighboring Barron County. Once exotics are introduced to a lake, they are impossible to eradicate.

What is the problem with Eurasian Water Milfoil? An EWM infestation can quickly grow from a single shard less than 3/4 inch long. It sprouts in unusually cold water and quickly forms a very dense floating canopy that blocks the sunlight from other less aggressive plants, ruining the biodiversity of the lake. The dense mats formed are very unsightly, and essentially impenetrable by swimmers and even propeller driven boats. EWM will grow in water depths to about 18 ft. It is anticipated that it would devastate the perimeter of this lake including the entire South Bay. When the EWM plants die and decay in the fall, they consume the oxygen causing winter-kills.

What is the problem with zebra mussels? The microscopic eggs of Zebra mussels attach themselves to weeds. They grow and multiply quickly, attach themselves to boats, dock, lifts, rocks etc and form shells so sharp they cut swimmers feet. Zebra mussels are now present in the St Croix River, Lake Superior and some smaller Wisconsin lakes. They are not yet known to be in Washburn County.

Can't they spray for EWM and/or zebra mussels? It is impractical for a lake the size of Shell Lake. The annual cost would be on the order of $1M, and the ecological consequences totally unacceptable. Even if it could be done, it would turn the lake into a freshwater-based desert. The only acceptable alternative is to subsurface harvest the EWM beds. This is an expensive ongoing operation that would cost approximately $200K per year.

But boaters have been removing weeds for years! Why now? We have had a volunteer monitor program at this launch site for the last two summers. Last year (2004) we found 9 boats out of 300 from infested waters that still had EWM shards on them, planning to launch! The year before (2003) had similar ratios, indicating that boaters are not adequately responding to the problem. Certain types of boat trailers present a nearly impossible visual inspection situation in that exotics can be present and kept damp (i.e. live) under broad carpeted boat support bunks. Any traces of exotics found on these types of trailers would be cause for a remote hot water pressure wash before launching.

But can't EWM and zebra mussels be carried into a lake by seaplanes and water birds? Theoretically yes, but the bottom surfaces are smooth for seaplanes, and feathers apparently don't trap weeds. For example, Rice Lake seaplane base near Forest Lake MN would seem very susceptible to EWM because of its shallow water, but with little boat traffic has none, even though all the other metropolitan lakes do. In other lakes where EWM has been found, it has usually been near a boat landing. Trailers are thought to be the major carrier of exotics.

Why don't the property owners pay for the cost of the launch inspection? Because Shell Lake-only residents generally don't present an exotic transport risk. The decision of the City Council has been that this is a non-local user caused problem but that all users including locals should pay. The volunteers of past seasons have been burned out, although volunteers are still being planned to fill in certain inspection times to minimize costs. More volunteers are needed to provide better coverage.

Why are all the other landings closed? They are NOT closed to carry-in boats, which we have assumed to be free of exotics. They are closed to trailer launches only. This was done to minimize the costs of the inspection program.

What is the Law? Can you do this? Minnesota Law flatly forbids the transport of exotic species, meaning any enforcement officer can issue a violation tag for weeds on your trailer. Wisconsin law is weaker in that you cannot launch a boat into Wisconsin waters with exotics attached, and enforcement is only by the WiDNR. The Shell Lake launch fee system is established by a local ordinance. Our launch site inspectors are here to answer questions and help show you how to inspect a trailer to prevent you from inadvertently violating Wisconsin law. They do not have enforcement intent or powers, and will only call 911 in an emergency.

This document was provided by the City of Shell Lake, WI – June 2, 2005