ERSKINE — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed zebra mussels in Union Lake, near Erskine in Polk County.
A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding a zebra mussel attached to a native mussel. DNR staff found more than 15 zebra mussels near the lake's public water access, more than a mile from the location of the initial discovery.
Union Lake has a pump that is used in certain high-water conditions. This pump is already equipped with a filter to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil.
The DNR said it will provide direction to the Sand Hill River Watershed District, which operates the pump, to ensure future pumping operations are modified to filter for zebra mussels.
The DNR also confirmed zebra mussels in two Otter Tail County lakes: First Silver Lake near Battle Lake and Heilberger Lake near Erhard.
In addition to clean, drain, dry and dispose — which are required by Minnesota law — the DNR encourages these practices to stop the spread of 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 very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds)
- Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body
If you think you have found zebra mussels or another invasive species in a water body not known to have them, contact the DNR.
Funding for this environmental story was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).