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Minnesota DNR Steps Up Zebra Mussels Vigilance

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May 9, 2009 2:53 pm US/Central

Minnesota DNR Steps Up Zebra Mussels Vigilance

ST. PAUL (AP) ― Fishing season is now open and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is stepping up its vigilance of zebra mussels.

Last month, DNR officials discovered zebra mussels in Prior Lake, making it the ninth inland lake in the state to be infested.

The state is increasing its enforcement budget by five times. Last year, $150,000 was designated to battle the invasive species. Now it's $750,000.

Nine enforcement officers, 80 inspectors, and 148 conservation officers will be on Minnesota lakes.

DNR Lt. Scott Carlson says they just want to be sure people aren't transporting the zebra mussels to other waters.

Fisherman caught not washing their boat or bringing zebra mussels into a lake get fined $500.

Fishing season started Saturday, with the Governor's Fishing Opener.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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