Invasive Species Found on Dock

Zebra mussels confirmed in Adley Lake in Otter Tail County

Invasive species found on dock

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in Adley Lake in Otter Tail County. This is one of several confirmations this fall as docks and boat lifts are being checked for invasive species at the end of the season.

DNR staff found and removed a one-inch adult zebra mussel attached to the wheel of the dock at the public water access on Adley Lake. During a follow-up search, DNR invasive species specialists found and removed a one-half-inch zebra mussel attached to a rock in about three inches of water near the access. They found no zebra mussels during a search of nearby docks and other water-related equipment. The DNR will conduct a more extensive search of Adley Lake early next spring.

Zebra mussels are an invasive (non-native) species that can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors, and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.

Less than 2 percent of Minnesota's 11,842 lakes are listed as infested with zebra mussels. To prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to:
Clean their watercraft of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Some invasive species are small and difficult to see at the access. To further reduce the risk of spread, take one or more of the following precautions before moving to another waterbody, especially after leaving infested waters:

Spray with high-pressure water.
Rinse with very hot water (120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two minutes or 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 seconds).
Dry for at least five days.
More information is available at www.mndnr.gov/AIS.


Check for invasive species when closing cabins for winter

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding lake property owners to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when closing cabins for winter. Several recent new zebra mussel confirmations were initially reported by people making end of season inspections of docks, boats and boat lifts.

"These recent confirmations serve as a reminder of the importance of carefully examining all equipment when taking it out of the water," said Heidi Wolf, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. "A few simple steps now can help prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species."

The DNR recommends these steps for lake property owners:

Look on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period.
Hire DNR-permitted lake service provider businesses to install or remove boats, docks, lifts and other water-related equipment. These businesses have attended training on Minnesota's aquatic invasive species laws and many have experience identifying and removing invasive species.
Contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if you think you have discovered an invasive species that has not already been confirmed in your lake.
It's especially important to keep docks and boat lifts out of the water for at least 21 days before putting them into another body of water. This state law is central to the training DNR-permitted lake service provider businesses receive. Anyone transporting a dock or lift from the adjacent shoreline property to another location for storage or repair may need a permit, to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

More information is available at www.mndnr.gov/AIS.