Zebra mussels found in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists have confirmed a report that zebra mussels are now in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria.

Brophy and Cowdry are part of a small chain of lakes less than a mile upstream of Lake Darling and the Alexandria chain of lakes, which were confirmed to have zebra mussels in June 2009. A local homeowner found several zebra mussels attached to rocks in Brophy, nearby his property, and reported it to the DNR. The DNR surveyed Brophy and downstream in Cowdry and found young zebra mussels in both lakes.

In response to this new infestation, the DNR will:

--Designate the chain of lakes including Brophy, Union, Stoney, Taylor and Cowdry as infested waters. This designation prohibits the transport of water and also prohibits the harvest of bait.

--Place new signs at public water accesses on Brophy Lake and Lake Cowdry to indicate the presence of zebra mussels.

--Increase enforcement and watercraft inspections efforts.

--Inform residents and business of how they can help prevent the spread of the invasives.

Boaters are required by law to:

--Remove aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers,

--Drain all water, including pulling the drain plug, opening water draining devices, and draining bilges and live wells. The drain plug has to be removed or open when transporting your boat.

--Drain bait buckets when exiting lakes. Anglers can keep unused bait when leaving infested waters if they replace the lake water with tap or spring water.

The DNR also recommends people spray or rinse boats with high-pressure and/or hot water, or let them dry thoroughly for five days, before transporting to another body of water.

Read Wednesday's Echo Press for more on this latest zebra mussel development.

Tags: zebra mussel, local news, news, ais, lake