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Ottertail fights invasive species [UPDATED]
Published 8:34am Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Updated 11:38am Tuesday, August 16, 2011Chris Boer of Fargo enjoys boating and fishing on Otter Tail Lake. He also knows that it’s his responsibility, along with other boaters, to keep the lake free of invasive species such as zebra mussels. Boer knows how important the lake is to nearby communities such as the city of Ottertail.
“This is a wonderful lake, and we want to keep it that way,” said Boer at the lake access near Ottertail on Sunday afternoon.
Residents of Ottertail and others who live near Otter Tail Lake know that zebra mussels are spreading along the Pelican River watershed near Pelican Rapids. Earlier, invasive species were found in the Alexandria area.
Boer, who works for Pepsi in Fargo, knows about invasives in Pelican Lake and also in Lizzie, Crystal and Prairie lakes.
“It would be a shame to see that happen here at Otter Tail Lake,” said Boer.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to help Ottertail residents stop the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.
The DNR has launched its new inspection and decontamination procedures.
Invasive species staff have been trained to operate newly purchased decontamination (boat washing) units. These portable units are capable of spraying 160-degree water at high pressure.
Area lake associations in
Otter Tail County and fishermen are assisting the DNR in efforts to stop the spread of invasives. Zebra mussels, which have sharp and edgy shells, attach to docks and boat lifts.
