Beginning this weekend , DNR conservation officers will join forces with other law enforcement agencies to try to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from the Brainerd, Lake Mille Lacs and Prior Lake areas. Violators could face fines of up to $500.
The DNR wants boaters to "Pull the Plug" on aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels.
The increasing zebra mussel populations at Lake Mille Lacs and Rice Lake near Brainerd, and the new zebra mussel infestation at Prior Lake in Scott County are a major concern. The DNR says the state's waters are threatened by numerous aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and purple loosestrife.
"Invasive species can be easily transported from one lake to another, so by taking some simple precautions citizens can minimize the risk," said Capt. John Hunt, DNR water resource enforcement manager.
He said boaters should:
•Drain bait buckets, bilges and live wells before leaving any water access.
•Remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers to prevent the spread of invasive species is required by law.
•Drain all water, including pulling the drain plug, as required by law when leaving waters that have been designated as infested with spiny water flea or zebra mussels.
The coordinated enforcement effort will include an increased presence at public water accesses where officers will look closely for violators. Officers will also give out informational cards on transporting infested waters to all boaters.
Billboards and newspaper ads are being used in the Mille Lacs and Brainerd areas to encourage boaters to "Pull the Plug" on aquatic hitchhikers.
DNR watercraft inspectors and creel census clerks also will be checking boats and informing boaters to inspect, remove and drain before leaving water accesses. Informational materials have also been provided to Mille Lacs area businesses. Tribal authorities, Great Lakes Indian Fish&Wildlife Commission, Minnesota State Patrol and local sheriffs' departments will assist conservation officers in this effort.

NOT TOO LATE TO CAMP

As the Memorial Day Weekend approaches, the DNR says there still are plenty of state park camping opportunities available. Up to 30 percent of the state's campsites can't be reserved, making them available to campers on a first-come, first-served basis.
"To increase chances of getting a non-reservable campsite on a holiday weekend, campers should arrive at the park Thursday night or early Friday morning, because most of the sites will be gone by Friday afternoon," Chuck Kartak, assistant director for the state parks system, said in a news release.
"The next best chance to get a campsite would be on Sunday, because some weekend visitors only stay through Saturday. Campers may call the state parks in advance to find out how many campsites are expected to be open on any given day."
Of reservable overnight accommodations at Minnesota state parks – including campsites, camper cabins and lodging – 90 percent of the spots are taken for this holiday weekend.
Some state parks, mostly in northwestern Minnesota, are still taking reservations. Five state parks with at least 15 reservable campsites remaining include:
•Lake Bronson and Old Mill state parks up in the northwestern corner of the state, where visitors may see a moose or the Northern Lights.
•Zippel Bay State Park with its beautiful white-sand beach on Lake of the Woods.
•Red River State Recreation Area, where visitors can combine fishing and biking with shopping and dining in the urban setting of East Grand Forks.
•Scenic State Park, which offers a Boundary Waters style setting for canoeing, without the portaging.
For details on Minnesota's state parks, including descriptions of each park's scenery, wildlife and recreational opportunities, call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157, 888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or visit mnstateparks.info.
To make camping or lodging reservations, call 1-866-85PARKS or 1-866-857-2757 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, or visit stayatmnparks.com.