KARE-11 Looks at Extent of Lake Minnetonka Zebra Mussel Invasion

KARE-11 report explored the waters near Big Island.

How You Can Play a Role in State's Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species

Applicants sought for new advisory committee being set up to guide state's fight against aquatic invasive species.

From the Minnesota DNR: The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is establishing a formal, statewide AIS Advisory Committee. The Commissioner wants to ensure that DNR continues to build strong relationships with its AIS stakeholders and use their insights and perspectives to help guide DNR AIS activities. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is one of the most important natural resource issues for Minnesota. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Asian carp, and Eurasian watermilfoil (as well as other invasive plants and animals) in our lakes and streams is of critical importance, along with effective control of established invasive populations. If you are concerned about aquatic invasive species, and have the …

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State Says Aquatic Invasive Species Violation Rates are 'Unacceptable'

Exactly how many citations and warnings have been issued to boaters on Lake Minnetonka was not immediately available.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released some initial statistics from its increased aquatic invasive species (AIS) patrol efforts. So far this year, the AIS violation rate among boaters is 20 percent. "This rate is unacceptable," said Maj. Phil Meier, DNR Enforcement Division operations manager. "The majority of violations could have been avoided if people had taken the time to change their routine when leaving lakes and rivers, and comply with AIS laws." The extra patrols began May 12 and will continue through the summer. "Enforcement activities, whether educational opportunities or issuing citations and warnings, are geared towards compliance," said Meier. "Enforcement is a primary motivator to changing the …

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A Breakthrough in Zebra Mussel Control? New Bacterial Combatant Shows Promise

Local invasive species experts updated U.S. Senator Al Franken on local efforts to curb zebra mussel and milfoil infestations.

Zebra mussels were first discovered in Lake Minnetonka back in 2010. Since then they have spread rapidly and are now found in most bays. With no natural predator, zebra mussels are virtually impossible to exterminate, and collateral damage to the ecosystem eliminates chemical treatment options in most cases. But there may be a possible breakthrough in zebra mussel control. A bacterial combatant called Zequanox has shown promising potential in eliminating zebra mussels, and researchers in Wisconsin are currently in the process of testing its effectiveness in an open freshwater setting.  “There has been a lot of activity and interest in this,” Eric Evenson, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator, told U.S. Sen. Al Franken Thursday…

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How Zebra Mussels May Affect Your Wallet

Higher boat maintenance costs could be a direct result of zebra mussel infestation.

Watershed District Hires Invasive Species Point Man

Craig Dawson will lead the District’s effort to develop a long-term strategy to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other AIS in the District’s lakes, streams and Minnehaha Creek.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has hired Craig Dawson as director of its newly-formed Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program. The hire is in response to community support for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) to broaden its involvement in the prevention and management of invasive species in the District’s waterways—including Lake Minnetonka. “We are excited to have Craig Dawson leading our efforts as we establish this program and take the bold step toward eradicating our waters of aquatic invasive species,” said Jim Calkins, MCWD Board of Managers president. “Left unchecked, continued infestation of species like zebra mussels, common carp and Eurasian water milfoil will negatively impact recreational experiences, local …

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New Study: Zebra Mussels Widespread in Lake Minnetonka

Just five of the 32 testing sites showed no infestation.

A new survey shows a widespread zebra mussel presence in Lake Minnetonka. In just the first month of surveying, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District found the invasive species at 24 of 32 monitoring sites. Making matters worse, the shutdown of state government has temporarily halted all invasive species inspections at Lake Minnetonka’s boat accesses. That worries Kelly Dooley, a district water quality technician, who said Wednesday morning that critical education and data collection opportunities are missed each day the Department of Natural Resources isn’t in the field. Boaters on the lake now have to handle inspections themselves, Dooley said. "I think everyone, not just the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, wants to see the DNR back…

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