The Minnesota DNR has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Pearl Lake, south of Rockville in Stearns County.
A Pearl Lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding zebra mussels attached to a dock that had been removed from the lake for the season. A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed multiple zebra mussels attached to a boat lift.
Several new zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes in recent years were first reported by property owners and lake service providers as they removed docks, boats and boat lifts at the end of the season.
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. Watercraft owners also are required to drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport, dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Residents are also reminded to dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one body of water to another.
