AIS are non-native aquatic plants and animals that have been introduced into Wisconsin’s waters and cause or have the potential to cause environmental, economic, or human health harm. Listed below is information on two AIS that have been found in Long Lake, Curly Leaf Pondweed and Yellow Flag Iris, and one which has invaded a nearby lake, Zebra Mussels.  If you have any questions concerning the removal/disposal procedures for AIS, feel free to contact Lisa Burns, Washburn County Land & Water Conservation/Aquatic Invasive Species specialist. For more information about Wisconsin’s AIS, visit the WDNR Invasive Species Page.

CURLY LEAF PONDWEED

Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) is a submersed aquatic plant native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. It was first verified in North America in the 1840s and quickly spread throughout the Northeast and Great Lakes regions into the early 1900s. Curly-leaf pondweed typically reproduces via turions (i.e., vegetative propagules), generally formed in late spring and early summer. The plant naturally dies back soon after turion formation, and the turions remain dormant in the sediment during the remainder of the summer and early fall. When water temperatures cool, the turions germinate (i.e., start growing). While a small number of turions may germinate in the fall (and survive under the ice during the winter), the majority of the turions will germinate the following spring. Curly-leaf proliferates once water temperatures reach 50⁰F (10⁰C).

CLP has been present in Long Lake for many years.  It does not currently warrant active management, but the LLPA does monitor its growth.  If conditions begin to interfere with navigation and recreation, the LLPA will consider available management strategies in collaboration with the WDNR.

For more information on CLP, visit the WDNR CLP page.

YELLOW Flag IRIS

Yellow flag iris is a showy perennial plant that can grow in a range of conditions from drier upland sites to wetlands to floating aquatic mats. A native plant of Eurasia, it can be an invasive garden escapee in Wisconsin’s natural environments. With its striking yellow flowers and aggressive growth, this non-native species can quickly outcompete native shoreline vegetation, forming dense mats that disrupt the lake’s natural ecosystem.

Yellow flag iris is a beautiful and attractive plant with its large yellow flowers and long, sword-like leaves. When not flowering, yellow flag iris could be easily confused with the native blue flag iris as well as other ornamental irises that are not invasive. The blue flag iris is usually smaller and does not tend to form as dense clumps or floating mats. 

Previously, it was only present only in small clumps in Long Lake, mostly along the developed shoreline between the Narrows and Crows’ Nest. However, in the past several years, there has been a significant increase in its spread. The growth near the dam is concerning, as the seed pods are spreading into the Brill River. In 2024 a pilot treatment by EcoNorth was undertaken and more expanded treatment is scheduled for 2025.  This treatment is paid for out of LLPA funds at no cost to the landowner.

Small clumps can be controlled by digging up the plant, but care must be taken to remove all rhizomes, as they can persist for more than ten years in soil.  Be sure to dispose of them in the trash, not a composter, for even a dried rhizome can survive for over three months.  Gloves should be worn while handling because the sap can cause skin irritation to sensitive persons.  All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the rhizomes.

Click here to view the June, 2025 Yellow Flag Iris map.
For more information on Yellow Flag Iris, visit the WDNR Yellow Flag Iris page.

ZEBRA MUSSELS

Zebra mussels are an invasive species which has not been found in Long Lake, but it has been found in nearby lakes.

Zebra mussels are small mollusks native to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. They were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s, most likely as larvae (also known as veligers) in discharged ballast water of commercial cargo ships and soon spread throughout Wisconsin through recreational activities. Zebra mussels can hitchhike on boats and trailers, allowing them to travel long distances between waterbodies. They may also be attached to any unremoved plants or hiding in the mud. Adults can survive outside of water for several days in moist conditions. Zebra mussel veligers can also be carried to other waterbodies by currents or by residual water left in boating and fishing equipment (e.g., live wells, bilge pumps, engine cooling systems, bait buckets).

The best defense against them is to keep them out of the lake in the first place. That can be difficult because of how they spread.  Since they are small, one or two attached to a boat hull or outboard lower unit may not be obvious.  They can live out of water for several days, especially in cool weather.  Even more significantly, their free-floating larva start out as being microscopic, undetectable by the human eye. That is why it is so important to follow the rules about not transporting water from lake to lake. Visual inspection alone is not enough. Drain everything.

LLPA has continued Clean Boats Clean Water inspections at major landings. Additionally, because early detection gives at least some hope of control we have built Plexiglas devices known as collector plates and suspended them from docks at landings, the idea being that if they are present they will attach. Thus far all inspections have been negative, but only continual vigilance and adherence to the no water transport rules by every boater can keep them at bay.

For more information about Zebra Mussels, visit the WDNR Zebra Mussel page.

Trees have been dropping naturally into Wisconsin lakes since the glaciers receded. Fallen trees provide shelter and feeding areas for a diversity of fish species and may also provide nesting and sunning areas for birds, turtles and other animals above the water. Nearly all fish species use woody habitats for at least a portion of their life cycle.

The statewide Healthy Lakes initiative funds simple best practices like fish sticks, native plantings, and rain gardens on lakeshore properties. Fish Sticks are naturally inspired habitat structures—anchored trees or clusters of logs—added to the shallow near‑shore zones of lakes. They recreate critical woody habitat offering shelter, feeding, spawning, and basking opportunities for fish, birds, turtles, and more. Fish Sticks can also help prevent shoreline erosion – protecting lakeshore properties and the lake. Learn more about fish sticks at the Healthy Lakes and Rivers website.

The LLPA has installed 12 Fish Sticks projects as of 2025.  Click here to view the most recent map.

Photo Courtesy of Barb Ray

Living With Bears in Wisconsin

Black bears are commonly found in the northern third of Wisconsin, but are being sighted more frequently in the central and southern counties of Wisconsin as they expand their range. As the black bear population continues to grow, so do an increasing number of bear-human conflicts. In order for bears to coexist with humans, we have to understand normal bear behavior. Black bears tend to be shy, solitary animals, but at some times of the year, particularly in the spring when bears emerge from their winter dens and food is not abundant, bears may be on the lookout for opportunistic food sources. This might be your garbage can, or the bird feeder in your back yard. Nearly all human-bear conflicts are a result of the animals’ search for food. There are lots of simple things you can do to avoid conflicts with bears. With your help we can continue to live together with this great animal, enjoying their presence in the woods around us and at the same time reducing conflicts with bears around our homes and our campsites.

REDUCING BEAR CONFLICTS NEAR YOUR HOME

Black bears are attracted to numerous items around homes, including: bird feeders, compost piles, grills, pet food, gardens, and garbage. Here are some simple recommendations to avoid problem bears:

Bird Feeders

• Make bird feeders inaccessible to bears by hanging them at least 10 feet off the ground, and 5 feet away from tree trunks, or on a limb that will not support a bear (you can still refill the feeder easily by using a pulley system).
• Consider taking bird feeders down at the end of winter (mid-April) when bears emerge from their winter dens.
• During spring and summer, bring feeders inside at night, a time when bears frequent stations.
• Clean up spilled bird seed below feeder stations.
• If you see a bear at a bird feeder during the day, take the feeder down and discontinue all feeding for at least two weeks.

Garbage Cans

• Keep your garbage cans tightly closed, and indoors if possible.
• Pick up loose or spilled garbage so that it doesn’t attract bears.
• Occasionally clean out your garbage cans with ammonia to make them less attractive to bears.

And a few more…

• NEVER FEED A BEAR! Intentional feeding will create a bear that is habituated to humans, and may become a possible nuisance to you and other people in the area. The bear will not forget the feeding experience, and will tend to get more demanding with time.
• Bring in pet food at night.
• Clean up and put away outdoor grills after you are done using them for the day.

WHEN YOU ARE CAMPING

• Don’t cook, eat, or store food in your tent! The smell of food may attract bears.
• Store food and cooking utensils away from your campsite, preferably in a vehicle or hung in a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet out on a limb that will not support a bear.
• Dispose of scraps in closed containers away from your campsite, not in the fire.
• Keep your campsite clean.

IF A BEAR IS CAUSING A NUISANCE IN YOUR AREA

Contact the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Wildlife Services. In the northern half of Wisconsin, call 1-800-228-1368, or in the southern half of Wisconsin call 1-800-433-0663. They can help you by providing additional information on reducing or eliminating your specific problem. If the situation is severe and presents a threat to health and human safety they can also remove the bear from the area.

BLACK BEARS AND AGRICULTURAL DAMAGE

With a healthy black bear population, it is inevitable that black bears may damage agricultural crops in some areas. Particularly tasty treats are apiaries (beehives) and corn fields in the milk stage. Bears also occasionally attack livestock. The Wildlife Damage Abatement & Claims Program (WDACP) is available to help Wisconsin farmers whose crops or livestock are damaged by bears. If you would like more information on this program, please contact the Wildlife Damage Specialist at (608) 266-8204 or write us at

WI DNR, 101 S. Webster St. (WM/6)
P.O. Box 7921,
Madison, WI 53707-7921.

Facts about Wisconsin’s Black Bear

Weight: Males, 250-300 lbs; females, 120-280 lbs.

Body Characteristics: Bears appear bulky and are glossy black, with a tan patch across the nose. Brown and cinnamon colored bears appear less often.

Reproduction: Black bears are sexually mature at 3 years of age. Females will breed every other year from then on. Mating takes place from June to early July. During the 225-day gestation period, the fertilized egg experiences delayed implantation until late November or early December. Females then give birth to two to three cubs in January or early February while they are still in their winter sleep!

Cubs: At birth, the bear cubs weigh 7-12 oz. Their eyes are closed and fur is sparse. Growth takes place quickly. Cubs will first venture into the world with their mother in late March. They remain with their mother through the summer and usually den with her the following winter. In the springtime, the mother will chase off the cubs so she can breed again.

Diet: Bears are omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything! Their diet generally consists of vegetation, insects, berries, and nuts. Occasionally they eat carrion and small animals. They also target livestock, beehives, garbage, and agricultural crops.

Habitat: Large forested areas with swamps and stream bottoms, and areas with minimal development are good habitat for black bears They are also found around thick ground vegetation with lots of trees and bushes that produce nuts and berries. Fallen trees provide bears with locations to dig a winter den.

Behavior: Bears are typically shy and secretive animals; most go to great lengths to avoid humans. Bears typically wander over long distances. Home ranges are about 27 square miles for males, and about 8 square miles for females. Black bears are most active around dusk, but may be out and about any time of the day or night. Mid-May to late September is the period of most activity.

Winter Sleep: Bears are not true hibernators! During the winter months bears “den up” where they will fall into a deep sleep. During this time bears live off the body fat they have accumulated during the fall. Their body temperature, heartbeat, and respiration decrease, but not to the level where hibernation occurs. Dormant bears can be easily awakened from their winter sleep!

IF YOU SEE A BLACK BEAR

• Make noise and wave your arms—let the bear know you are there so you don’t surprise it. Bears normally leave an area once they know a human is around.
• If you happen to surprise a bear at close range, back away slowly.
• If you are near a vehicle or building, go inside until the bear wanders away.
• Do not approach a bear. Respect black bears as wild animals and enjoy them safely—from a distance.

WEBSITES WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Wisconsin DNR bear management and hunting website
• Alberta Bear Smart

Information Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Education

The Beaver is North America’s most common and largest rodent. Their most distinctive feature is their large flat tail, which serves as a rudder when swimming, a prop when sitting or standing upright, and it is a storehouse of fat for the winter. They are an aquatic mammal with large webbed hind feet ideal for swimming and hand-like front paws that allow them to manipulate objects easily. They have excellent senses of hearing and smell. When swimming under water a protective transparent membrane will cover their eyes and a flap closes to keep water out of their nostrils. They also have inner lips to keep water out when carrying sticks in their mouth. Beaver fur consists of short fine hair for warmth and longer hair for waterproofing.

Beavers are pure vegetarians, subsisting solely on woody and aquatic vegetation. They will eat fresh leaves, twigs, stems, and bark; preferring aspen, birch, cottonwood, maple, poplar and willow. Aquatic foodstuffs include cattails, water lilies, sedges and rushes.

Beavers build and maintain houses called lodges. The most recognized type is the dome shaped dwelling surrounded by water. It is made of sticks, mud and rock. Each lodge has a minimum of two chambers: one for sleeping, one for eating and grooming. They have at least two water filled tunnels leading from a chamber to the pond so the beaver can enter and exit the lodge underwater without being spotted by predators. Their babies, called kits, are born and nursed each spring. Beavers weigh 45 to 60 pounds. They mate at three years of age and they mate for life.

Beaver don’t hibernate, so they stock pile sticks under water. When the ponds freeze they remain in the lodge and leave only to retrieve sticks from the stock pile to eat.

The beaver’s ability to change the landscape is second only to humans. Thus the beaver has developed a bad reputation among some because they can cause roads to flood with their damming capabilities. But wetlands behind their dams lessen erosion, and act as a water purifier; creating a watery habitat for fish, turtles, frogs, birds and ducks. So the beaver’s ability to maintain the health of this ecosystem cannot be understated.

Of the 21 species of reptiles in Wisconsin, 11 are turtles. Here we will focus on the largest and heaviest, the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentine.

Like all turtles, the snapper is cold blooded, obtaining heat from the sun. Unlike the familiar painted turtle, snappers seldom crawl onto logs to sun themselves, but often float at the surface. They are almost entirely aquatic, with females coming to shore to lay eggs primarily in May and June. They will travel some distance to find a suitable egg laying site, having been found as far as a mile from water. Fortunately, the attempted housebreaking depicted in the side photo is not common behavior.

On land, snapping turtles can be quite aggressive. They should be handled only by those who truly know how. Lifting by the sides of the upper shell is dangerous, as they have a very long and mobile neck-the species name serpentine means “snake-like.” Their bite can easily sever a finger. Lifting by the tail could cause them permanent spinal damage. It is best to just watch them from a distance. In the water they are not a threat to humans, and when encountered they will swim away or hide in the muck or under vegetation.

Adult turtles have few predators, but the eggs are another matter. Nests are frequently raided by raccoon and skunks. Eggs that survive hatch in 80 to 90 days, although some overwinter in the nest. When a tiny turtle is seen heading for water in the spring, if is from an egg laid the prior year.

Snapping turtles are omnivorous, eating plants and just about any animal or fish they can catch, although their reputation as a duckling predator has been highly exaggerated. Younger turtles will forage for food, but the big ones hang motionless in the water, hunting by ambush.

While once present in Wisconsin, wild turkeys completely disappeared due to loss of habitat during the lumbering era of the Nineteenth Century, the last known bird having been harvested in 1881. In 1976 Wisconsin traded ruffed grouse to Missouri in exchange for turkeys, releasing 29 birds in January of that year, with 334 more to follow. The reintroduction success has been phenomenal, with more than 45,000 birds being registered in the Spring 2016 hunting season alone.

The wild turkey is Wisconsin’s largest game bird, measuring 2.5 to 3 feet in height, with the male (gobbler) weighing in at 17 to 21 pounds and the hen at 8 to 11 pounds. Wingspans range from about 3 to 4.5 feet. Each bird has 5,000 to 6,000 feathers, which provide wintertime warmth, assistance in flight and which are sported in mating rituals.

Turkeys stay in flocks of 5 to 50 birds. The flock utilizes a home range of more than 1,000 acres. They prefer open grassy or grain field areas next to hardwood forests. The forest provides refuge from predators and a roosting place at night. Food consists of plants, insects, acorns, seeds and fruit.

Turkeys are wary, shy birds with excellent eyesight. They see in color, and have a 270 degree field of vision. They are capable of flying at over 55 miles per hour, but only for short distances. They prefer to run from predators, having a top speed of about 25 miles per hour.

While turkeys are North American birds, they originally derived their name, somewhat indirectly, from the nation of Turkey. They bear some resemblance to the guinea fowl of central Europe, sometimes called “turkey fowl” because originally imported there from Turkey. They are different birds, but somehow the name just stuck.

Had Benjamin Franklin had his way the turkey, not the bald eagle, would be our National Bird. Ben lost that argument.