The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's enforcement division earlier this year added two more zebra mussel-detecting dogs, bringing to four the number of K-9s in the state trained to locate zebra mussels on boats, trailers and water-related equipment. They join a host of other people, including conservation officers and watercraft inspectors, charged with trying to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort and zebra mussels. At the end of the day, though, it's up to boaters, anglers and everyone else who recreates on the water to do their part to prevent new infestations. The process isn't especially complex, said the DNR. Boaters should clean their boats and trailers; drain all water-related equipment, including live wells, and remove the drain plug before transporting a boat; and dispose of unused bait in the trash. Minnesota's invasive species laws are online at bit.ly/mninva.
JOE ALBERT
