The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Blackduck Lake, near Blackduck in Beltrami County, and Third Crow Wing Lake, near Badoura in Hubbard County.
Blackduck Lake: A lake property owner and a Beltrami County aquatic invasive species staff contacted the DNR after finding zebra mussels on several dock sections and boat lifts at a resort on Blackduck Lake. DNR staff found additional zebra mussels on additional equipment in the water.
Blackduck Lake drains into the Blackduck River, which flows downstream into Lower Red Lake within the Red Lake Nation. DNR staff have notified the Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources staff of the finding.
Third Crow Wing Lake: A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding zebra mussels attached to a boat lift that had been removed from Third Crow Wing Lake for the season. DNR invasive species staff found additional zebra mussels attached to the boat lift and a nearby dock.
Several new zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes in recent years were first reported by property owners and lake service providers removing 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 equipment 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.