Minnesota DNR begins pilot program to combat zebra mussels

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced  Monday that after discovering small infestations of zebra mussels in some of the state's lakes, it will be initiating pilot projects designed in cooperation with the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC).

The program was developed based on efforts undertaken in Christmas Lake throughout April and May. After the infestation was confirmed, Christmas Lake received treatments of pesticides, which appear, as of a dive survey on Sept. 30, to have resolved the infestation.

The new pilot program will be available to lakes with infestations of limited size that are discovered early. The DNR is typically looking for lake associations or similar groups as potential partners.

“We’re hopeful that these pilot projects, combined with vigilant lake monitoring and adherence to clean, drain, dispose laws, can bring a heightened level of response to the challenges of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota,” DNR Section Manager Ann Pierce said. “Our partnership with MAISRC assists our efforts to keep the percentage of Minnesota lakes with zebra mussels at the low level it is now, less than 2 percent.”