Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels in Lake Mitchell in Davison County.
Lake Mitchell is now considered infested with zebra mussels.
“We received an image of a possible zebra mussel that had been found in Lake Mitchell,” said Aquatic Section Chief, John Lott. “We had GFP staff investigate the lake and that was when they confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels.”
“This is another reminder that all boaters and water users need to make sure they are practicing ‘clean, drain, dry’ every time they are on the water,” Lott said.
Clean watercraft and trailers of all aquatic plants and mud.
Drain all water by removing all drains, plugs, bailers, or valves that retain water. Be sure to completely drain your lower unit of any water by lowering completely.
Dry all equipment that has made contact with the water before it’s next use.
Completely draining a boat is the first step in making sure invasive species are not transferred to other waters.
For more information on zebra mussels, other aquatic invasive species, and how to properly decontaminate your watercraft, visit sdleastwanted.sd.gov.
