A small amount of adult zebra mussels were found in Cross Lake and Lower Hay Lake according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As a result the DNR has set up signs at both public and private access points along Whitefish Chain to make lake goers aware. Dave Fischer of Crosslake, president of the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA,) said his group would continue its program on access education and inspection. The WAPOA has both paid unpaid inspectors who are examining watercraft at many different accesses.
“We need all Minnesotans to recognize that this is an issue which increasingly impacts them, both financially, and ecologically, whether or not they spend time on our lakes and rivers,” Fischer said in a statement.
“Further surveys are in progress to determine if they can be detected in other areas of Cross Lake [and Upper Hay Lake] or in other lakes on the chain,” according to Fischer.
So what is a zebra mussel? Zebra mussels are ¼ to 1 ½ inches long and are shaped like a D and have alternating black and brown stripes. Zebra mussels can be difficult to detect when in their larvae stage as they are not visible to the naked eye. Zebra mussels like to attach to hard surfaces such as boat lifts, boats, boat motors, and docks. There is no remedy for eliminating zebra mussels and the best we can do is prevent them from spreading to surrounding lakes. If you’re a boat owner proper cleaning, engine and boat hull maintenance is a must to keep your boat in working order as larvae can grow and ruin your boat.
If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Crosslake area, contact me, Bill Grunewald. My team and I enjoy helping folks like you find just the right spot to live your northern Minnesota Lake Country dream.
Bill Grunewald/ Edina Realty.
Licensed in Minnesota/ Lic # 20204156