Zebra Mussel
There have been reports of people cleaning up zebra mussels on their beach and then taking them to other areas (other people’s property) and dumping them.
We contacted Mark Ranweiler, Regional AIS Specialist for our region of the state. His response: “It is illegal to transport without a proper permit and they should be disposed of properly and not on someone else’s private property.” Below is a web link to the permit to be used in the transport of invasive species as supplied by Mark Ranweiler.
Click HERE to Access Permit Form
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Click HERE to View an April 26, 2020 Duluth News Tribune Article On Efforts to Slow Aquatic Invasive Species Are Working
Minnesota AIS by the Numbers: Some Good News!
8% of Minnesota lakes have verified invasive species.
3.5% of Minnesota lakes have verified zebra mussels.
97% of 511,000 boaters checked in 2019 at boat landings had removed weeds and vegetation from their trailer.
96% of 511,000 boaters checked in 2019 at boat landings had removed the drain plug and livewell water form their boat.
81% of trailered boats checked at DNR roadside checkpoints complied with state AIS laws.
95% of adult zebra mussels were killed by an experimental treatment in a 160-acre bay of Lake Minnetonka.
100% of zebra mussel larvae were killed in the same test project
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AIS Prevention During 2019 Otter Tail County
Click HERE For 2019 Project List
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Zebra Mussels’ Best Friend:
Wake Board Boats a University of Minnesota Study Finds!

ST. PAUL — The best way for invasive zebra mussel larvae to get from one Minnesota lake to another is aboard wake board boats, a new study has found
Click HERE to Watch Video
You can help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species!
> Volunteer to monitor a access for two hours ONE weekend and hand out AIS prevention brochures
> Volunteer to assist with Zebra_Mussel_Monitoring Initiative
> Communicate, Communicate, Communicate the risks and impacts of aquatic invasive species
DNR Documentary: Aquatic Invasive Species – Minnesota Waters At Risk (25 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IobWB1yZHm8&feature=player_detailpage

DNR Contact
Mark Ranweiler
Assistant Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist
MN DNR, Division of Ecological and Water Resources
1509 1st Avenue North
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 739-7576 Ext. 254
Email mark.ranweiler@state.mn.us
More Info: Click URL Link to View Volunteer_Zebra_Mussel_Monitoring (PDF File)
Starry Stonewort
DNR Documentary: Aquatic Invasive Species – Minnesota Waters At Risk (25 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IobWB1yZHm8&feature=player_detailpage
Click HERE For More Info from DNR
Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants
A Best Management Practices Handbook
Click URL Link Below to View
http://www.aquatics.org/bmp.htm.
How Can You Help??
Ø Inspect your boat trailer and boating equipment
Ø Remove plants and animals BEFORE leaving any waterbody
Ø Drain water from all parts of the boat while on land before leaving any waterbody
Ø Empty your bait bucket in the trash, never release bait into the water or onto land
Ø Rinse your boat and equipment with high pressure water, or hot water (at least 104° F), or dry your boat and equipment for at least 5 days
Ø Report possible new sightings to local state office
Ø Report violations by calling TIP Line 1-800-652-9093