Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Sherburne County Lake

(KNSI) — A Sherburne County lake is the latest in central Minnesota to have a confirmed infestation of zebra mussels.

The Department of Natural Resources says that after an initial unconfirmed report of the infestation in Ann Lake, near Orrock, the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District, along with a volunteer and in partnership with the DNR, collected water samples from the lake on two separate occasions. The tests revealed high concentrations of zebra mussel larvae, known as veligers, confirming the invasive species’ active reproduction.

Regardless of whether a lake contains invasive species, Minnesota law requires boaters to clean watercraft, trailers, and equipment to remove aquatic plants and invasive species. Drain all live wells and remove drain plugs during transport, and dispose of unused bait in the trash. Watercraft and equipment must dry for at least five days before using them elsewhere. Docks, lifts, and rafts must dry for 21 days before being used in another lake or river.

Boaters and jet skiers must decontaminate their watercraft once it is pulled out. The DNR’s website has lakes and launches with equipment-free decontamination stations; click here to find them.

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