Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boat
Invasive species, such as zebra mussels and curlyleaf pondweed, are frequently transported as boats move from lake to lake in bait buckets, livewells, undrained boats, and attached to trailers. Be sure to fully empty and clean your boat whenever you leave a lake to prevent unwanted hitchhikers.
Visit the Minnesota DNR’s Clean In Clean Out page to learn how to properly clean your boat. To learn more about state boating rules as well as aquatic invasive species visit the DNR’s website. Anyone found guilty of violating Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws will be required to complete a training in addition to paying a fine.
Respect Speed and Wake Rules
Large wakes disturb below the surface of the water as well as above it. When wakes agitate bottom sediments and shorelines, particles are suspended or re-suspended in the water, releasing nutrients which lead to eutrophication (algae growth) and the energy from waves causes shoreline erosion.
Following the established rules for the lake you are boating in, such as no-wake and speed restrictions on Prior Lake and Spring Lake, will help to keep the lake clean and enjoyable and protect shorelines. Boating and lake use rules from the DNR can be found HERE.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for boating rules enforcement.
Zebra mussels look like small clams with alternating light and dark stripes on their shells.