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Consultant's Report - Minnesota State Legislature

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Recommendations for physical treatment<br />

Both physical methods of control and physical aspects of stream habitat deserve<br />

brief consideration. With respect to physical habitat limitations, it is noteworthy that<br />

Strayer (1991), based on a thorough analysis of European zebra mussel distribution,<br />

concluded that this species does not reside in streams less than 20 m wide. In slight<br />

contrast, Horvath et al. (1996) found that zebra mussel colonization of small streams is<br />

possible, but only if there is a nearby, upstream lake source. Even then, populations<br />

declined exponentially with downstream distance from the source such that only isolated<br />

mussels were found much more than one km downstream. The outlet brook from Lake<br />

Ossawilmamakee is probably too small to sustain a zebra mussel population, although the<br />

larger streams farther downstream may provide suitable habitat. There is no doubt that<br />

this species is best adapted to the sublittoral zones ofvery large lakes (such as Lake Erie<br />

in North America) and impounded reaches oflarge rivers (such as the series of pools in<br />

the Upper Mississippi River).<br />

Physical methods of control (e.g., filtration, heat, aerial exposure) can be reliably<br />

used in some settings, but appear to be oflimited value in the present situation. The most<br />

viable physical control method may be the use of disposable substrates in the upstream<br />

end of the outlet brook. Large numbers of disposable substrates (e.g., nylon or fabric<br />

"mops") placed in several row,s along the channel (parallel to flow) or in the lake at the<br />

channel inlet (perpendicular flow) could reduce the number of veliger$ entrained into the<br />

flowing brook. These substrates create ideal settling conditions for the planktonic<br />

veligers by providing a firm surface and reduced flow velocity. Periodically (at least<br />

annually) the substrates would have to be removed and replaced. Disposable substrates<br />

have not been used much, as they are only partially effective. Percent control of 50 % is<br />

probably a reasonable expectation (O'Neill 1996).<br />

6

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