DNR: Check for invasive species as summer wraps up

As Minnesota lake residents start closing up summer cabins for the winter, the Department of Natural Resources wants them to put checking for invasive species on the "to do" list.

• Map: Aquatic invasive species spread across Minn.

Checking docks and boat lifts as they are pulled from the lake is a good way to find new zebra mussel infestations, said DNR invasive species specialist Mark Ranweiler.

And Ranweiler urges caution when moving equipment to a new lake.

"If you're selling your dock and lift it can't be placed in another water body for 21 days. But best case scenario would be if you're thinking about buying or selling to try to sell it in the spring or buy it in the spring. That gives the dock or lift the chance to sit out of the water all winter long," he said.

The DNR now lists nearly 200 lakes and streams as infested by zebra mussels.