The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of a zebra mussel larva in Goose Lake, near Stark in Chisago County.
Water samples taken in Goose Lake by the Wild River Conservancy and analyzed by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota, included a zebra mussel larva, called a veliger.
The DNR has not found adult zebra mussels in Goose Lake. The presence of a veliger, however, suggests reproducing zebra mussel populations. Goose Lake will be listed as infested with zebra mussels, and the Wild River Conservancy will monitor zebra mussel populations in the lake.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
- Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
- Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
- Decontaminate watercraft and equipment. Find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website.
- Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
- Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website.