Local Groups Frustrated With Invasives Fight

UNDATED  (AP) - Some local governments and lake associations that have grown frustrated with Minnesota's lack of progress in combating aquatic invasive species are changing their focus from prevention to cure.

Among them is the Gull Chain of Lakes Association, which took the lead in the fight against invasive species in eight popular lakes near Brainerd. The association was the first to set up a decontamination station to clean boats to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Although the group still spends some money on prevention, it now plans to donate money to the new University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species research center to come up better ways to control zebra mussels.

Experts say local spending equals or exceeds state spending to combat aquatic invasive species.