Many of you know that there is a problem with Aquatic Invasive Species. The threats have been from plant life to fish to Zebra Mussels. The Zebra Mussels seem to bring the highest threat in most people eyes. The local concern is the introduction of these into Pelican Lake.
Zebra Mussels have been found locally in Lake Ossawinnamakee. More recently they have been found in Gull Lake. Mille Lacs has had them for a number of years. The same holds true for the Mississippi River. One Zebra Mussel was found in Pelican Lake this past fall. There is the thought that if they are present, more than one would be found. They are very prolific. Time will tell if they are there but regardless, keeping them at bay is the goal.
A concern was raised with the Breezy Point Public Landing. There was some thought that by closing the landing we limit the possibilities of introduction. The City and the State of Minnesota (DNR) established this landing in 1985. The agreement requires that the landing remain open and free to the public. Closure or limiting hours is really not an option. The landing could be closed between midnight and 4 AM as the only possibility. A number of other landings are available to users of the lake so limiting one access doesn’t really solve the problem in that regard.
Efforts have been made to ward off the threat. The Pelican Lake Association has been working with the DNR on a volunteer basis to inspect boats as they use the landing. The city police officers have been trained in Aquatic Invasive Species so they can enforce laws applicable to this issue. The City Public Works personnel have also been trained in this issue as they do maintenance at the landing and beach. They too can address the issue. The city will install a sign to let boaters know that laws associated with Aquatic Invasive Species will be enforced by the Breezy Point Police, as a reminder.
This year the DNR will again be working with local volunteers to monitor the access. They had also asked for a Right of Entry Authorization. In addressing this with the DNR they intend on having decontamination service available at the boat landing to further address the threat. It is everyone’s hope that Zebra Mussels have not been introduced.
Boaters and the public in general need to recognize that the responsibility for introduction really lies with the individual. There are far too many public and private landings in the states waters to guard against the introduction.
Be a good steward of our public water resources, doing what you can to ward off the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species. Maintaining the lake as invasive free ultimately lies with your actions.
