Cracking Down on Transporting Invasive Species - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

EAU CLAIRE, Wisconsin (WQOW) -  The Wisconsin DNR is stepping up enforcement to keep our lakes clean. The DNR says over the past year, it's made a strong effort to educate the public about how transporting invasive species from lake to lake can be damaging. The invasive plants can take over lakes making it difficult for the public to enjoy swimming and boating. The DNR says with the help of volunteers this summer more people will be making sure people are abiding by the law.

 DNR Regional Warden, Mark Burmesch says, "It takes you 30 seconds, you look, you take two pieces of vegetation off, you make sure it's clean, make sure you drain the water out of your boat and you are on your way."

Minnesota is also stepping up its enforcement. According to the Minnesota DNR, in 2010 less than 300 citations and warnings were issued. However that number has already surpassed 2,000 in 2012.