Single zebra mussel found in Lake Harriet
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - One, single zebra mussel was found in Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed Thursday. The zebra mussel was found on a boat cover recovered from the bottom of the lake and has been removed.
No additional zebra mussels were found during 67 hours of diving, snorkeling and wading searches involving the DNR, Minneapolis Park Board, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and two contractors. Lake Harriet will still be added to the state’s Infested Waters List for zebra mussels, but may be removed from the list if future surveys continue to show no zebra mussels in the lake.
“We’re grateful that no zebra mussels were found during the extensive dive, snorkel and wading search of Lake Harriet,” said a statement from Heidi Wolf, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. "While we regret that Lake Harriet will be added to the Infested Waters List because one zebra mussel was confirmed, we’re hopeful that the lake may be removed from the list if future searches continue to show no zebra mussels in the lake.”
Lake Harriet will be carefully monitored the rest of year season and next year, but no treatment is necessary at this time. The DNR said individual zebra mussels sometimes die after they are brought into a new lake before they become established.
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS
Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to:
Clean watercraft of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
To remove or kill invasive species, take one or more of the following precautions before moving to another lake or river, especially after leaving infested waters:
1. Spray with high-pressure water.
2. Rinse with very hot water (120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two minutes or 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 seconds).
3. Dry for at least five days.