Crow Wing County’s Gilbert Lake and North Long Lake have share something new with Gull Lake; they’re all invested with zebra mussels. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed the invasive species have infested Gilbert Lake and North Long Lake in the last two weeks.
The DNR requires boaters to hose down and inspect their watercrafts of plants and wildlife. Failing to do so could result in a ticket, but the DNR says they’d rather boaters be more concerned about not spreading invasive species rather than paying the fine.
One local resort on North Long Lake told us they’re constantly on the lookout for invasive species, especially from outside boaters. The DNR says it’s up to everyone to help contain the spread of these invasive species. A heavy growth of zebra mussels can kill native mussels, impact fish populations, damage watercrafts and makes beaches more coarse.
The DNR has signs posted near public accesses labeling what if anything the lake is invested with. They say boaters need to read these signs before entering and leaving the lake.

By — Lakeland PBS

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