Once zebra mussels get into a lake, there is no known remedy for completely removing them. Over 100 lakes in Wisconsin have been infected with zebra mussels, and in recent years, Mille Lacs Lake has become infected as well.

Education, awareness and voluntary action alone are not going to solve the problem. The Lake Minnetonka Association and Lake Minnetonka Conservation District have drafted a Zebra Mussel Prevention Plan that includes a comprehensive inspection program to help minimize the zebra mussel threat.

There are numerous other exotic plants, animals and viruses coming our way. The prevention strategies we have advocated for zebra mussel will also apply to these other exotic species.