Aquatic Invasive Species

The natural gravity outflow will maintain water levels in the mine pit to prevent overflow into nearby Bovey.

Zebra mussel poop seems to be fueling rising mercury levels in walleye and perch.

The county was allocated $472,193 by the Minnesota Legislature to assist in the prevention and spread of aquatic invasive species within county lakes and rivers in 2025.

A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding several dozen zebra mussels on equipment they were removing from Turtle River Lake for the season.

An upcoming "Starry Trek" event enlists citizen scientists to search for the invasive macroalgae, which creates dense mats and is confirmed in 30 Minnesota water bodies.

The Minnesota Department of Resources confirmed the aquatic invasive species in Union, First Silver and Heilberger lakes.

The invasive algae was confirmed by the Department of Natural Resources after a report from Itasca County staff.

This is often the time of year when new infestations are discovered as people remove equipment from the water, the DNR stated.

The DNR provided an AIS sign design and interpretive signage specifications to provide a simple structure to hang free-use cleaning tools, and clear instructions about cleaning boats to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Marshall Helmberger with Border News Roundup