Before searching for additional zebra mussel infestations in northern Murray County, aquatic invasive species specialist Allison Gamble, Conservation Officer Julie Siems and K-9 officer Brady met with reporters. Gamble and Siems answered questions from the media about zebra mussels and the new infestation discovered at Lake Sarah.
A total of six sites in Lake Sarah had zebra mussels. The initial report came from a lake service provider.
Reporters were able to watch Conservation Officer Siems work with K-9 Brady as they demonstrated how the dog is able to quickly locate zebra mussels. In addition to zebra mussels, K-9 Brady is also able to detect gunpowder, ammunition, and venison. The K-9 officers are able to work quicker than humans and can easily access spaces that would be difficult for humans, such as boats and trailers at public water accesses.
Zebra mussels can attach to boats or aquatic vegetation and be carried to a different lake.
The larvae, called veligers, are microscopic and can be carried by bait buckets, live wells, or other water.
The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind all boaters that it is illegal to transport watercraft without removing the drain plug. It’s also against the law to arrive at a public lake access with the drain plug in place. It’s also illegal to transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway. It’s also against Minnesota law to launch a watercraft with a prohibited species attached.
The DNR urges boaters to clean in and clean out:
*Clean all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and equipment before leaving any water access.
*Drain all water-related equipment and drain bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access. Keep drain plugs out and water draining devices open during transport.
*Dispose of unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, and worms, in the trash. It is illegal to release bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals one waterbody to another. If you want to keep your bait, you must refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.
