Aquatic Invasive Species Photo Contest

Rusty Crayfish
Rusty Crayfish

Golden Sands RC&D Council, Inc. is hosting an “aquatic invasive species photo contest” for youth in Portage, Wood, and Waushara Counties. Aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin are becoming increasingly expensive and damaging to local ecosystems. A great way to fight these invasive species is to become familiar with their appearances and effects on ecosystems. We believe that getting youth familiar with local aquatic invasive species is a step in the right direction. People that can recognize aquatic invasives are able to report new populations quickly, before they can cause significant damage on native plant and animal communities.

Photo Contest Rules

Japenese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed


Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. of Stevens Point is hosting a photo contest for kids this summer, with prizes including gift cards to local sporting goods stores. This contest aims to promote awareness of local invasive species, and encourage youth to be active in the fight against invasives.

This photo contest is open to all middle school and high school students in Portage, Wood, or Waushara County.

Participants can photograph any aquatic invasive species (AIS) (i.e. Eurasian watermilfoil, rusty crayfish, zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, etc.). These invasive species occur throughout all three counties mentioned above.

Ideas or lists of AIS locations in your county can be found at www.dnr.wi.gov/ais .

Photos can be digital or printed, and should be sent to Paul Skawinski, skawinsp at co.portage.wi.us or at the address below:
Golden Sands RC&D
1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481


Photo submission ends on May 1st, 2010, and winners will be announced on May 15th, 2010.

Download and print the contest rules