Oct 26, 2005 6:16 pm US/Central
Zebra Mussels Could Cause Stricter Regulations
St. Cloud, Minn. (AP) ―
An increased presence of zebra mussels could cause stricter regulations on the Mississippi River and Lake Mille Lacs.
Zebra mussels, an invasive species causing concern among natural resources officials, were found last week near Brainerd. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has since been combing the Mississippi River for them.
"It's an ongoing process," said Jay Rendall, the DNR's invasive species program coordinator.
Lake Mille Lacs will likely be declared infested, Rendall said. Four zebra mussels were found in the lake last summer.
If the Mississippi and Mille Lacs are declared infested, emergency rules would be adopted. The rules include mandatory water draining for boats and restrictions on bait harvests from infested waters. The regulations on the Mississippi could be enforced as far south as the Twin Cities, Rendall said.
While zebra mussels' effect isn't entirely understood, officials say the clamlike creatures reproduce quickly and kill off other mussels. They can clog pipes, causing problems for cities and factories that take in water from rivers and lakes.
(© 2005 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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