News & Events

Zebra mussels discovered in Stevens County

As lakeshore owners on Perkins Lake were removing their docks and lifts for the season, several reported finding zebra mussels on their equipment. The area DNR invasive species specialist confirmed the reports on October 8th in multiple locations of the lake. Additionally, they found one zebra mussel at the public water access site on County Highway 20 between North and Middle Pomme de Terre. No mussels were located during a search downstream at the Pomme de Terre Reservoir.

Carefully inspect your equipment coming out of the water for zebra mussels or any other invasive species. Look on the posts, wheels, and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons, and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period.

If you believe you have found an invasive species in another Stevens County lake, send your report with a picture and location to the Stevens SWCD or the area DNR invasive species specialist.

A few things to remember when taking your boat to the lake:

  • Inspect and clean your boat and equipment before leaving the water access
  • Drain water from boat, live-well, drain-bilge, etc. with water-draining devices or by removing drain plugs
  • You may not transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway

To remove or kill zebra mussels, take precautions before moving to another waterbody, especially after leaving infested waters:

  • Spray with high-pressure water
  • Rinse with very hot water (120°F for at least 2 minutes; or 140°F for at least 10 seconds)
  • Dry for at least 5 days

Area DNR Invasive Species Specialist: Mark Ranweiler (218) 739-7576 ext.254 or mark.ranweiler@state.mn.us

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2018/10/15/zebra-mussels-confirmed-in-pomme-de-terre-lakes-and-perkins-lake-in-grant-and-stevens-counties/

Our Mission

The mission of the Stevens Soil & Water Conservation District is to work with county landowners in putting conservation practices on the land and to help all citizens be good stewards of our natural resources.