What high-risk water is associated with North Dakota?

Lake Oahe is recognized as a high-risk water body associated with North Dakota due to its vast size and connections to various waterways that facilitate the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The lake is part of a larger reservoir system and is frequented by boaters, anglers, and recreational users who may inadvertently transport AIS between different bodies of water. The expansive nature of Lake Oahe, combined with its recreational use, makes it a significant concern for the introduction and spread of these invasive species, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems and economies.

In contrast, while other choices may also be relevant in discussions of aquatic ecosystems in North Dakota, their links to the concern over AIS are not as pronounced or widely recognized as those associated with Lake Oahe. For instance, the Red River, Lake Agassiz, and Lake Ashtabula may be important waterways, but they do not share the same heightened risk profile specifically identified with invasive species found at Lake Oahe.