Zebra Mussel Refresher

Since Zebra Mussels were discovered in Big McKenzie Lake in 2016, Burnett County has mobilized an effort to control the spread. In January 2018, new legislation was passed that makes it a violation to NOT use a decontamination station when one is available at public launches.* So when taking your boat out of any lake or waterway, please make every effort to clean and decontaminate your boat before moving it to another lake. This common sense measure will help keep Tabor and other lakes free of Zebra Mussels and other invasive species.

Here’s the short version for you and your guests:
• INSPECT boats, trailers and related equipment.
• REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals.
• DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment.
• NEVER MOVE live fish or bait away from a waterbody.

Here is a DNR web page that further explains what boaters and landowners need to do to contribute to AIS-free lakes.

We are a bit lucky in that we have a low calcium level in our lake, but remember when the big scare was Eurasian Water-Milfoil? Getting in the habit of inspection has no down-side. Please also have your visitors decontaminate their watercraft prior to use in Tabor Lake.

One of our members went to a Zebra Mussel session at the NW Lakes Conference 2018, see this page.

By the way, if you’re into water gardening, check out this article: Water Gardening_LakeLines-Fall-2018. As is Japanese Beetles weren’t enough trouble!

 

*Burnett County Board of Supervisors Resolution #2018-01, an amendment to Illegal Transportation of Aquatic Plants and Invasive Animals Ordinance.