The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Traverse Lake, near Browns Valley in Traverse County.
A Traverse Lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding zebra mussels attached to equipment that had been removed from the lake for the season. A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed zebra mussels attached to the property owner’s dock and boat lift and found zebra mussels attached to rocks at the Traverse County Park, about three miles from the location of the initial report.
Because Traverse Lake borders South Dakota, the Minnesota DNR has been in contact with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks about this aquatic invasive species confirmation.
Several new zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes in recent years were first reported by property owners and lake service providers as they removed docks, boats and boat lifts at the end of the season. It is a good reminder to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing them for seasonal storage.
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 have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website.