Information on Lead Tackle
Below are two links regarding lead tackle:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2013/sep-oct/copper.html
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/videos/leadfree.html
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Visit the Minnesota DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
University of Minnesota AIS Guide
This useful guide identifies both native and invasive aquatic species:
Important update on our Zebra Mussel infestation
As most of you found out when you removed your watercraft, docks and hoists, the volume of zebra mussels attached to your equipment was massive. Virtually anything having contact with the water for an extended period of time had hundreds of mussels attached when removed. They were attached to steel, aluminum, plastic and rubber materials. Based on what we know, this problem will more than likely get worse before it stabilizes.
There is nothing identified currently to reduce or eliminate this aquatic invasive species (AIS). We will continue to monitor all information regarding this problem. The summer season is over but we do want to make several suggestions for the upcoming summers.
- When removing any equipment from the lake, please make sure all weeds are removed and all water is drained from the holding areas. Remove all drain plugs from boats and jet skis.
- Make sure there is no water left in your live wells, bait wells and ballast tanks when taking them out of the lake.
- When your watercraft is not in use, make sure the motor is completely out of the water. Any water left in the motor could eventually effect the water pump function and ultimately do damage to the motor.
- When your boat is not in use, make sure your live wells, bait wells and ballast tanks are drained. Any standing water could contain mussels which could affect the functionality of the wells and tanks.
Zebra mussels are a part of our lake and until a solution is found, they will be with us. Today we know of several things they don’t do. They don’t cause swimmer’s itch and they don’t kill fish. So we can continue to enjoy our great natural resource as we have in the past. We ask everyone to continue to follow the law in regards to AIS and make sure our friends and neighbors do the same.