(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the BELIA).

In a previous article, Big Eagle Lake in Orrock Twp. was sampled for zebra mussel larvae (veligers) after a volunteer conducting aquatic invasive species surveys found an empty, half shell from a zebra mussel at the Eagle Lake public access in August.

Following recent testing, Big Eagle Lake was cleared for having the invasive species, meaning that the shells (dead zebra mussels) that were found on the Starry Trek sampling at the boat launch probably came into the lake on someone’s vessel who had followed the Clean, Drain, and Dry protocols and prevented an infestation. 

The SWCD and DNR worked with the BELIA after the volunteer pulled up an empty, half shell from a zebra mussel at the Eagle Lake public access with some aquatic plants on a rake Aug. 21. The county and DNR say allowing those pesky invasives time to dry out is so important! Zebra Mussel veligers can live for 21 days if they have moisture to survive and they are microscopic. 

Great news for Eagle Lake!