February 22, 2006
Number of Michigan Lakes Infested with Zebra Mussels Increases Again
EAST LANSING, Mich. — In 2005, zebra mussel infestations were confirmed in 23 more of Michigan’s inland lakes, bringing the total to 227, according to Michigan Sea Grant.
Last year, the striped mollusks were confirmed for the first time in the following lakes (counties): Cedar (Alcona); Miller (Allegan); Torch (Antrim); Douglas (Cheboygan); Sand (Clare); Margarethe (Crawford); Lime (Jackson); Pickerel (Kalkaska); Blind, Bruin, Halfmoon, Patterson and Watson (Livingston); Twin Lake (Luce); Spring and West (Montcalm); Ess (Montmorency); Bush (Oakland); Bradford (Otsego); Esau and Grand (Presque Isle); Prairie River (St. Joseph); and Bear (Van Buren).
The infestations are now present in 53 of the state’s 83 counties, including a third county in the Upper Peninsula. Crawford, Kalkaska, Luce, Montmorency, Otsego, Presque Isle and Van Buren counties are new to the list.
All of the 2005 reports came from lakefront property owners, other interested citizens and resource managers who found adult colonies of the mussels clinging to surfaces such as boats, docks, rocks, dams and water pumps. Reports from citizens become part of the zebra mussel infestation monitoring program maintained by Michigan Sea Grant.
See: Zebra Mussel monitoring program report
Carol Swinehart, Michigan Sea Grant Extension communications manager, encourages citizens to look for zebra mussels whenever they go to an inland lake.
“If you find what you think is a zebra mussel in a lake or stream not already on the list of infested lakes on the Web site, note the date and the precise location where you found it; take the mussel (several, if possible) and store in rubbing alcohol, then call Michigan Sea Grant Extension or send an e-mail message with the information to cys@msu.edu .”
“Boaters can be especially helpful in slowing the spread of the pesky mollusk and preventing damage to their equipment by making sure that they inspect and clean and dry it for five days between use,” Swinehart says. “The only way the list of infested lakes will stop growing is for people using the state’s waters to be vigilant and diligent.”
Top
