MnDNR confirmed Zebra Mussels in Lake Mary 8-1-13

From the Minnesota DNR:

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 1, 2013

Zebra mussels found in Lake Mary in Douglas County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Mary in Douglas County near Alexandria.

After lake residents reported finding a zebra mussel attached to a rock in the northeast bay, DNR crews searched the area July 29 and found another adult zebra mussel.

“We take reports from the public seriously, and thoroughly investigate every incident,” said Joe Eisterhold, DNR northwest region aquatic invasive species specialist. “With more than 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, we need help from the public to locate new infestations.”

Lake Mary and several other lakes will be designated as infested waters and signs will be posted at all public accesses as soon as possible. The designation begins with Lake Mary and continues downstream, eventually reaching Lake Brophy and the rest of the Alexandria chain which is already infested with zebra mussels.

Connected waters include:

Skoglund Slough.
Unnamed (21047900).
Grill.
Mill.
Lobster (East Bay).
Lobster (West Bay).
Mina.
Unnamed (21044000).
This new infestation underscores the need for continued diligence in complying with the state’s laws to prevent and curb the spread of invasive species. Boaters and anglers need to be extra vigilant in ensuring their boat and equipment are clean before leaving a lake access and to contact the DNR right away if they find suspicious aquatic animals or plants.

It is legal to transport suspected aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a sealed container to the DNR for reporting and identification purposes. If it’s not possible to bring in a sample, boaters are encouraged to take a picture and note the exact location where the specimen was found. Early detection is critical in preventing the spread to other waterbodies.

Anglers, boaters and other recreationists must remove all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species, drain water from all water equipment including portable bait containers, and drain bilges and livewells by removing the drain plug before leaving the boat landing.

More information about zebra mussels, how to inspect boats and other water-related equipment, and a current list of designated infested waters is available on the DNR website at http://www.mndnr.gov/ais.

{Moved from DL}

I’m not sleeping because you posted this…it’s just that if the DNR plans on sending out a notification each time they find a zeeb, I’m going to unsubscribe to the updates.

Boy that is big news. A lake with zebe s in it.

Not that I wish this to happen, but I’m waiting for the Notice that Christmas Lake in Shorewood (Western Twin Cities) is Infested.

Knowing that Inspectors are not showing up for shifts, do a cursory inspection at best (many times) and have been known according to reports from some of my friends to not inspect Lake Shore Owners trailers and watercraft.

It is only a matter of time, IMO.

Found out a number of Inspectors have quit due to be bored at that access, with only 1-2 boats per morning shift. They don’t want to work there as there is nothing much to do for 8-hours from 6am to 2pm when they average just a 1-2 boats each morning. Apparently afternoons it picks up a bit, but still only a maximum of 7-parking stalls and some of those may be taken by non-boaters.