Boaters and anglers at three Douglas County lake accesses will have more tools to use to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Douglas County commissioners approved a resolution accepting a grant from the Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $4,530 that will be used to purchase Aqua Weed Stick stations for accesses on lakes Miltona and Geneva.

Land and Resource Management will use other AIS funds to purchase a third stick for Lake Mary, according to Justin Swart, the county’s aquatic invasive species prevention coordinator.

The commissioners approved the grant at their regular board meeting, which was held Monday, June 15.

The stations, said Swart, will include bait disposal boxes for anglers to dispose of their bait properly. The permanent stations are fairly new, he added, noting that it is a pilot program for Minnesota and that two other counties, besides Douglas, will be installing them.

The Aqua Weed Sticks are designed to push, pull, hook, scrape and cut weeds off boat trailers. And although they have been around for quite some time, Swart said the permanent stations are fairly new.

In other action

Douglas County commissioners approved the following other items:

• Grant in the amount of $21,979 from the Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Welfare for child protection services.

• Write-off of $300 from the recorder’s office for an outstanding invoice.

• Resolution supporting the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program Funds.

• Request to fill deputy auditor/treasurer/account clerk position.

• Request to hire a property tax/elections technician.

• Adding the option of a three-year precious metal dealer license at the cost of $200.