Zebra mussels confirmed in Ann Lake in Sherburne County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported last week it has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Ann Lake, near Orrock in Sherburne County.

Following up on an earlier unconfirmed report of zebra mussels in Ann Lake, the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District and a volunteer, in partnership with the DNR, collected water samples from the lake on two different days. The samples showed high counts of zebra mussel larvae, called veligers. The presence of veligers indicates zebra mussel reproduction in the 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 at www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/watercraft_inspect/courtesydecon.html

• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure 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 at if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

Learn more online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/index.html.