Fall is here, and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department reminds people to inspect their boats, watercraft, boat docks, boat lifts and other water equipment for aquatic invasive species.
Boaters can do their part to slow the spread of Zebra mussels by ensuring they always practice Clean, Drain, and Dry. This includes:
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Pulling all boat plugs to allow the water to drain out of the boat;
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Cleaning all vegetation, debris, and other objects off the boat and trailer upon loading;
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Drying all equipment that has been submerged in water; and,
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Lowering their motors to drain the water out of the lower unit after loading.
Incidentally, while GFP staff were moving buoys on Mina Lake in Brown County, staff discovered zebra mussels. Based on the discovery, Mina Lake is now classified as positive for zebra mussels.
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator Tanner Davis says this is another reminder of the importance of keeping watercraft clean, drained and dried. He said Fall is an excellent opportunity to make sure your equipment is mussel free as zebra mussel juveniles and adults will begin to show up to the naked eye on infested waters.
For more information visit sdleastwanted.sd.gov.
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