Zebra mussel larvae has been found in Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The lakes are part of the Phalen chain of Lakes in Ramsey County, between Little Canada and Maplewood.
State officials had taken water samples from Lake Gervais, Kohlman Lake, Keller Lake and Spoon Lake to check for zebra mussel larvae. While larvae were found in Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake, adult zebra mussels have not been detected. Nevertheless, the larvae indicates zebra mussel presence. The two lakes — as well as the connecting lakes Kohlman and Keller — will be listed as infested.
To prevent the spread of invasive species, the DNR asks people to:
• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out when moving watercraft and get rid of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into state waters.
• Use dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving watercraft from one waterbody to another. Also, spray down watercraft and equipment with high-pressure hoses or rinse them off with water.
There are free stations to decontaminate watercraft around the state — for more information go to the DNR website.
Anyone thinking they have found zebra mussels or other invasive species can contact the DNR at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html.
More information can be found at mndnr.gov/ais.
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