Consultant's Report - Minnesota State Legislature

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Feasibility Study to Limit the Spread of Zebra Mussels from Ossawiunamal{ee Lake
STOP AQUATIC
HITCHHIKERSr
Prevent the transport of nuisance species.
Clean all recreational equipment.
www.f'roteetYourWaters.llet
hen you leave a body of water:
• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
.. Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers,
equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out
of that bod of water.
Figure V-3. Stop Aquatic Invaders Graphic
(courtesy of www.protectyourwaters.net)
The Model Rapid Response Plan for Great Lakes Aquatic Invasions (Draft: July 17, 2003)
represents the development of a model rapid response plan for Great Lakes aquatic invasions.
The goal ofthis project was to develop a model rapid response plan as part of an overall regional
effort to enhance ability to anticipate, prevent and respond to new aquatic invasions of nonindigenous
species in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and could be modified and adapted
for limiting the movement ofzebra mussels into the Upper Mississippi River System.
Integral to rapid response planning is a communication and organizational structure that
determines how to disseminate information, as well as authority and leadership roles,
coordination, cooperation and partnerships. Legislative authority and policy also need to be
taken into consideration under this component. A clearly defined communication structure will
facilitate timely information exchange among the appropriate entities in the rapid response
network. If a rapid response is deemed appropriate, information needs to be communicated to
appropriate stakeholders to engage them in the process. Other states, provinces, agencies, the
media and the public need to be made aware of the situation and associated activities as
appropriate.
Detection and Monitoring
Early detection and monitoring efforts are critical to the discovery ofnew introductions ofzebra
mussels and in accurately tracking the spread of existing invasions. Detection of this nonindigenous
aquatic species is essential because zebra mussels have rapid dispersal and growth
rates that could inhibit control strategies if not implemented promptly. Monitoring can be
utilized to determine the specifications for developing control methods, such as frequency and
urgency of necessary treatments. Efforts related to early detection and monitoring may include
V-I?
Review ofPotential Control Methods