What do curly-leaf pondweed, mystery snails and zebra mussels have in common?
Answer: They're all unwanted visitors to Minnesota's lakes and streams, and their harmful impact can keep out the wanted visitors – anglers, boaters and swimmers from Minnesota and beyond.
Minnesota's fishing opener Saturday is a good time to think about how to stop the spread of non-native invasive species in our lakes and streams.
Why should we care? Because non-native species often crowd out the desirable native fish, wildlife and plants. In the long run that hurts our outdoor experiences and our tourism economy.
Controlling aquatic invasive species is expensive too, costing Minnesotans over $5 million last year. Prevention is far cheaper, and the Minnesota DNR has a few tips:
• Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals and mud when you're done boating and before you leave the boat landing.
• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
• Spray, rinse or dry your boats and recreational equipment to remove or kill species that were not visible when you left the lake or river.
One of the peskiest lake invaders is the Eurasian watermilfoil. The plant was discovered in 12 additional Minnesota waters in 2009, bringing the total of infested waters to 232. Milfoil can form thick underwater strands of tangled stems and large surface mats of vegetation. In shallow areas the plant can interfere with boating, fishing, and swimming.
In 2009, zebra mussels, Chinese and banded mystery snails, curly-leaf pondweed and purple loosestrife all expanded their reach in Minnesota waters.
To find out more about which Minnesota lakes are infested with invasive species and to get safe fish eating tips, visit http://www.checkmylake.org.
