Infested Waters

The Minnesota DNR is taking steps to stop the movement of an exotic species linked to waterfowl deaths.

The DNR says Faucet Snails have been discovered in parts of the Mississippi River, Leech River and Little Winnibigoshish Lake.  Those areas will be designated as infested waters later this month.

The designation will include the Mississippi River downstream of the Lake Winnibigoshish Dam in Cass and Itasca Counties, including Little Winnibigoshish Lake, to just before White Oak Lake.  The designation also includes the Leech River downstream of the Mud Lake Dam in Cass County.

Faucet Snails are host to a paraside linked to waterfowl deaths.

State law prohibits transporting water from "Infested waters" without a permit.  State law also bars anglers or commercial bait harvesters from harvesting bait from those waters without a permit.