Zebra mussels confirmed in White Sand Lake in Crow Wing County – Brainerd Dispatch

BAXTER – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in White Sand Lake near Baxter in Crow Wing County.

The White Sand Lake Association contacted the DNR after zebra mussels were found on a dock that had been removed from the lake for the season. DNR invasive species specialists confirmed the report.

Several new zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes were first reported in recent years by property owners and lake service providers removing docks, boats and boat lifts at the end of the season. The DNR reminds people to carefully inspect boats and trailers, docks and elevators, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing seasonal storage equipment.

Also remember to keep docks and boat lifts off the water for at least 21 days before moving them to another body of water. That is state law.

Regardless of whether or not there are invasive species in a lake, Minnesota law requires the following:

• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• During transport, drain all water and leave drain plugs out.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Never allow bait, plants or aquarium animals to enter Minnesota waters.
• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before transporting them from one body of water to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of the spread of aquatic invasive species:

• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – ​​free stations can be found on the free decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or flush with water if high-pressure water is not available.
• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using them in another body of water.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist at mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html if they believe they have found zebra mussels or other invasive species that were not previously known to exist are in the water.

For more information, visit the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website at mndnr.gov/ais.