Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Traverse Lake Near South Dakota Border, GFP Warns Boaters

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed zebra mussels in Traverse Lake, along the Minnesota–South Dakota border near Browns Valley. Because the lake directly borders South Dakota, Minnesota officials notified South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) of the new aquatic invasive species detection.

Zebra mussels continue to spread across regional lakes, often discovered at the end of the season when property owners and lake service providers remove docks, lifts, and boats for winter storage. Officials say this latest confirmation reminds residents to thoroughly inspect all water‑related equipment when pulling it out for the year.

GFP encourages boaters and lake homeowners to carefully check:

• Boats and trailers

• Docks and boat lifts

• Anchors, ropes, and chains

• All other water‑related gear that may hold moisture

Even small, juvenile zebra mussels can attach to equipment and survive transport to new lakes.

Residents can learn more about aquatic invasive species prevention and citizen monitoring programs at sdleastwanted.sd.gov.