The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Byllesby, near Cannon Falls, in Goodhue and Dakota counties.
In August 2023, DNR staff working with native mussels found one adult zebra mussel. Follow-up surveys and water samples at that time did not indicate more zebra mussels or reproduction. Water samples this summer included four zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, indicating zebra mussel reproduction in the lake.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).
• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist(mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.