When Closing Up Cabins For Winter Make Sure to Check For Invasive Species

If you're a lake property owner, the Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources wants  to remind you to to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when closing cabins for winter.

The DNR says that several recent new zebra mussel confirmations were initially reported by people making end of season inspections of docks, boats and boat lifts.

Here are some suggested steps to take:

• 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.
• Hire DNR-permitted lake service provider businesses to install or remove boats, docks, lifts and other water-related equipment. These businesses have attended training on Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws and many have experience identifying and removing invasive species.
• Contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if you think you have discovered an invasive species that has not already been confirmed in your lake.

Also, remember that docks and boat lifts must be kept out of water for at least 21 days before they are placed in another body of water.

Click the link below for complete details on aquatic invasive species.