De La Hunt Media - KK Radio Network

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has updated additional lakes and river sections that were newly designated as waters infested with invasive species. Another major concern is the discovery in southwestern Minnesota waters of Asian Carp, which have moved up from the Missouri River. Due to migration many water bodies in the area are infested with bighead and silver carp. The designations and associated regulations, such as prohibiting the harvest of bait and transport of water from those waters, are intended to help contain the aquatic invasive species present in the designated waters. The harvest of bait from infested waters with invasive fish is prohibited for commercial and non-commercial use. Lakes and bodies of water added to the infested waters list that contain bighead and silver carp include Indian Lake, Anderson’s Marsh, Clear Lake, Grovers Lake, Illinois Lake, Little Sioux River, Little Spirit Lake, Loon Lake, Pearl Lake, Plum Lake, Round Lake, Rush Lake, Skunk Lake, Spirit Lake and many unnamed lakes and creeks connected to infested waters, all in Jackson County. Infested waters also include the Mississippi River downstream of Lack and Dam 2, and the St. Croix River downstream of the Taylors Falls dam. Lakes that newly contain zebra mussels are Irene Lake, Lake Pepin, Forest Lake, Libbs Lake and Peavey Lake. Eurasian watermilfoil have claimed water bodies including Cobblestone Lake, Thomas Lake, Lake Pepin and Colby Lake. Invasive species alert signs are posted at the public water accesses of infested waters. More water may be designated this summer and fall if they are determined to be infested. A full list of infested water is available on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index_aquatic.html.