OUTING — Zebra mussels have been confirmed in three more Northern Minnesota lakes.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the finding of adult zebra mussels in Roosevelt Lake in Outing and Swan Lake in Pengilly on Monday, Sept. 8, as well as the discovery of veligers in White Earth Lake near White Earth.
The aquatic invasive species was also recently identified in water samples from Lake Vermilion, Lake Kabetogama, Crane Lake and Namakan Lake.
A surveyor hired by the Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lakes Association found three adult zebra mussels at the Roosevelt public access. The DNR found additional adult zebra mussels at the access and throughout the lake in follow-up surveys.
Juvenile zebra mussels were found attached to settlement samplers in Swan Lake. The DNR found the invasive species in multiple lake locations.
The Swan Lake Association was using the samplers as part of zebra mussel prevention and early detection efforts. Settlement samplers are solid surfaces temporarily placed in the water that people can check regularly for zebra mussels.
White Earth Nation invasive species staff found the veligers, the name for microscopic zebra mussel larvae, in water samples. The discovery suggests a reproducing population, though adult zebra mussels have not yet been found.
The DNR reminds boaters that clean, drain, dry rules are state law, regardless of a lake's invasive species status:
- 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 waterbody to another
The DNR also recommends:
- 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 waterbody
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