Zebra mussel treatments on Lake Irene completed

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists completed zebra mussel treatments November 4 on both Rose Lake in Otter Tail County and Lake Irene in Douglas County.

Portions of each lake received three separate copper sulfate treatments from a licensed aquatic pesticide contractor.

Earlier this fall, zebra mussels were discovered on boat lifts when they were removed from the two lakes. The DNR responded by coordinating efforts to treat the areas surrounding where the boat lifts had been submerged, and immediately designated the lakes as infested water bodies.

“We are hoping that the early detection and rapid response to the zebra mussel discoveries might prevent an infestation,” said Nathan Olson, DNR invasive species specialist in Fergus Falls. “We will be monitoring these lakes over the next few years to determine whether the treatments were successful.”

The treatment of both areas was a cooperative effort among the DNR, the landowners and several local businesses. The DNR expressed appreciation to Delzer Construction in Fergus Falls for donating the silt screen for the Rose Lake treatment, and to Sherbrooke Turf in Pelican Rapids for donating the labor and silt screen for the Lake Irene treatment.

“The assistance we received from these businesses made it possible for us to respond and act as quickly as we did to the potential infestations,” said Olson. “The cooperation of the landowners also helped tremendously.”

The DNR strongly recommends that all boat lifts and docks be cleaned thoroughly by pressure washing with hot water, and dried for a minimum of two weeks before putting the equipment into a body of water.

Boat lifts and docks are of particular concern because they sit in the water for extended periods, giving adult zebra mussels a greater opportunity to attach themselves.

More information about aquatic invasive species is available on the DNR website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index_aquatic.html.

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