Zebra mussels confirmed in Manuel Mine Lake, Perch Lake in Crow Wing County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Manuel Mine Lake, near Crosby, and Perch Lake, near Baxter, both in Crow Wing County.

A lake user contacted the DNR after finding suspected zebra mussels in Manuel Mine Lake. DNR invasive species specialists found abundant zebra mussels attached to rocks, logs, native mussels and debris while conducting a scuba dive search of Manuel Mine Lake.

A Perch Lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding a suspected zebra mussel attached to aquatic vegetation in the lake. DNR invasive species specialists found zebra mussels attached to aquatic vegetation along the north end of Perch Lake.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:

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

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

• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website.
• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website.