RHINELANDER - As we all know by now Aquatic Invasive Species pose a serious threat to our area lakes.

Only a small handful of these pesky plants could threaten one of the Northwoods' best resources.

Recently, Oneida County enacted a new AIS transport law prohibiting their movements.

And with fishing tournament season right around the corner, AIS experts aren't taking any chances this summer.


Last night in Rhinelander, Oneida County AIS directors gathered with tournament coordinators to talk about the new ordinance.

Some tournament organizers agree with the new rule.

They say if they allow out-of-town anglers to transport invasives, we're only hurting ourselves.

Bob Brigham, co-organizer of the Northern Lakes Bass Masters Open, says, "Not only do you want to run a quality tournament, you want everybody happy. If the fishing's gone, so is the other stuff."

The new anti-transport law allows law enforcement to pull over anyone who has an aquatic plant on their boating equipment and issue a ticket.

Jennifer Holman, the Oneida County AIS Coordinator, says, "Boats come from all over. Not only from this state but from other states and there's a potential for them bringing new invasives in as well as the ones we already have existing."

Lori Regni, a volunteer for Clean Boats, Clean Waters, says, "Of particular concern are folks from out of state who don't know that we have these laws, who don't know what invasive species they might have in their home area and they're bringing them to our area."

Members of Clean Boats, Clean Waters are also hoping to increase presence at boat launches to help with regulating this summer.