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RICHLAND COUNTY, ND (KFGO) – State wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Horseshoe Lake, located in Richland County.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced Wednesday that routine plankton tow net samples first detected zebra mussel veligers, the microscopic larval stage of the species, in the 275-acre lake. Follow-up sampling later confirmed the presence of adult mussels.
The lake is located about five miles southwest of Hankinson and sits near Lake Elsie, a body of water that has had zebra mussels present for a number of years.
Emergency Rules Take Effect Immediately
Following the discovery, Horseshoe Lake has been designated as a Class 1 aquatic nuisance species infested water. Emergency rules have been enacted immediately to slow the spread of the destructive species to other North Dakota waters.
The state has implemented the following emergency restrictions:
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Water Movement Prohibited: Moving water away from Horseshoe Lake is strictly illegal. This restriction includes water used for transferring live bait.
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Bait Restrictions: During open-water months, aquatic bait cannot be transported away from the lake. Anglers are also reminded that it is illegal to dump unused bait on the shoreline or into the water.
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Equipment Quarantine: All docks, boat lifts, and related equipment removed from Horseshoe Lake must be dried and left out of the water for at least 21 days before they can be placed into any other body of water.
The department is currently posting notices at all lake access sites to alert the public.
Protecting State Waters
Zebra mussels are nonnative pests that multiply rapidly, threatening native wildlife, damaging ecosystems, and clogging water intake systems. Game and Fish Department officials urge all boaters and anglers to comply with mandatory statewide regulations to protect clean waters:
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Clean: Remove all aquatic vegetation and mud from watercraft, trailers, and equipment before leaving a water access site.
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Drain: Drain all water from the watercraft and equipment before leaving the area.
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Pull the Plug: Remove all drain plugs and water-holding devices, leaving them open and out during transport.
Wildlife officials also strongly recommend that boaters avoid mooring watercraft in infested waters and allow all gear to dry completely or undergo disinfection before reuse.
For more information regarding aquatic nuisance species, disinfection methods, or to report a suspected sighting, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov/ans.
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