Checking for Invasive Species

We care greatly about our water in Minnesota and we appreciate everyone’s effort to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.  It might take a little bit of time to drain and clean your boat and/or fishing gear but protecting our lakes and waterways is worth it.  The Boundary Waters and the lakes on the Gunflint Trail are special and we want to keep them that way. You can help keep Minnesota lakes and streams even more if you’d like, please read the message below.

It’s hard to believe the state fair is over, kids have started school, and summer is coming to an end. Every year, time at the cabin goes by more quickly, and each moment is more precious than the last. We know, that as a continued member of Conservation Minnesota, you care about our seasons, waters, and way of life here in Minnesota, and that is why we wanted to provide you with a quick and easy way to help ensure the health of our lakes and rivers.

Checking lakes for invasive species like Zebra Mussels and Starry Stonewort can sometimes feel difficult – do you have the right equipment? Do you know what to look for? Where do you start? Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be the difficult process some think.

If you have a dock, boat lift, or other items in the water that get removed, you can help check for zebra mussels and other invasive species – it’s quick and easy.

As you are removing your dock, lifts, and other items for the close of the season, please look them over carefully. Check for unusual items – especially ones that look like this  (zebra mussels). Also check the water surrounding your items to make sure invasive plants or algae, such as starry stonewort, are not growing in the area. If you find anything, even if you aren’t sure what it is, take a picture and send a description along with your contact information to either info@conservationminnesota.org or the Minnesota DNR . Together we can help to identify aquatic invasive species and keep our lakes and rivers healthy for generations to come.

Together we can protect the Minnesota you love.

Sincerely,
Jaclyn Urness
Paul Austin
Executive Director