invasive species

Governor Mark Dayton says it's urgent for Minnesota to stop invasive Asian carp from spreading widely into its waters. Dayton convened what was billed as a "carp summit" Monday, where a Department of Natural Resources specialist outlined an action plan that would include permanently closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam to prevent the fish from getting upstream.

The state Department of Natural Resources says zebra mussels have spread to two lakes in western Minnesota. DNR biologists confirmed that the pests are now in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria.

Researchers have conducted a large-scale test of a new system to kill invasive species hiding in the ballast water of Great Lakes freighters and expect to get results back next month.

With the fishing season opener coming up Saturday, Minnesota is urging boaters to 'pull the plug' on aquatic invasive species. Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr says boaters and anglers need take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasives such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.

As you prepare to head out for Minnesota's fishing opener this weekend, the D-N-R is reminding you to pack your life jackets, first-aid kit and sunscreen. But, the D-N-R says there is just as much to remember when you are ready to leave the lake.

A 27-pound bighead carp caught in the St. Croix River recently is being used by Minnesota officials to rally support for slowing the spread of such invasive species. Bighead carp are one of several invasive carp species that the Department of Natural Resources says could seriously harm the state's native fish species and aquatic ecosystems.

Gov. Mark Dayton and the state's natural resources commissioner are unveiling legislation aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species in Minnesota. Zebra mussels and Asian carp are among the species concerning the state's outdoors managers.

State natural resource officials now have a plan to slow the spread of zebra mussels, fish-killing VHS virus, jumping Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species.