Minnesota Department of Natural Resources met with a small group of people on Thursday morning in an effort to explain the aquatic invasive species zebra mussels and their recent discovery in Lake Sarah.
Invasive species specialist, Allison Gamble, talked about how the infestation was found. Minnesota Conservation Officer Julie Siems and her canine partner, Brady, an 8-year old golden retriever mix trained to detect zebra mussels were on hand to provide a demonstration at the Lake Sarah DNR public water access on the west side of the lake.
Gamble explained the findings doesn’t necessarily mean the lake is doomed. She went on to talk about how the zebra mussel attaches to hard objects and can reduce food for small fish as well as smother native mussels. In addition, their sharp edges can be dangerous for people in the water.
According to Gamble, the zebra mussel can filter approximately a liter of water a day. This can change both what’s on the bottom of the lake as well as food availability for young fish.
She along with Jim Sehl, DNR Hydrologist, searched seven lifts on Lake Sarah and every one of them had zebra mussels attached to them. They continued along Shady Rest Road where anywhere from a couple of zebra mussels up to 16 attached were found. In addition, the DNR access on the west side of the lake had three zebra mussels.
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