The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in East Twin Lake, near Florence in Lyon County.
A DNR conservation officer was contacted by an angler who found four adult zebra mussels on a stick in East Twin Lake. DNR invasive species specialists found more than a dozen adult zebra mussels each at two locations during a follow-up search. The size variation and distribution of zebra mussels indicate they have likely been reproducing in the lake for several years.
East Twin Lake is the only lake in Lyon County and the third in southwest Minnesota where zebra mussels have been confirmed.
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.