Minnesota Steps Up Boat Inspections To Stop Invasive Species
May 01, 2012 -- From early in the morning until late at night, a vigilant Nate Beaver goes down the checklist. He’s one of the many Department of Natural Resources boat ramp inspectors doing their best to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
“A lot of people on different lakes that aren’t infested yet are worried. They’re saying, ‘we don’t want it here,’” said Beaver.
Lake Minnetonka is among the many Minnesota lakes infested with zebra mussels, which spread rapidly and attach themselves to rocks, dock piers, beaches and boat hulls. But they do most damage by plugging up intake pipes on sprinkler systems and water pipes.
This year, the state is stepping up its inspection efforts in hopes of keeping the nasty critters from spreading to unaffected lakes. Read the full story to get the details.
