Big Cormorant Lake is surrounded by other lakes in the region having problems with Eurasian Watermilfoil, Flower Rush and Zebra Mussels, but to date none of these have been found invading Big Cormorant Lake. The DNR and lake owners want to keep it that way. The DNR and Big Cormorant Lake Association will begin funding inspections at the public accesses to educate people bringing boats, lifts and docks from other lakes how to properly transfer these items without transferring invasive species.

Any piece of equipment coming from a lake having any of the invasive species should be set out of the water for a minimum of 7 days to adequately remove the transfer of Eurasian Watermilfoil, Flower Rush and Zebra Mussels. These can be hiding inside of tubes, cables or dock sections and transferring one small segment of the invasive species or one tiny mussel can cause a lake to be overrun with problems.

Zebra Mussels on a lake can cause the depletion of microscopic food in the water which is the main source of food for minnows. As minnow’s food is depleted, this goes on up the food chain depleting the game fish in a lake. The sharp-edged zebra mussels are an expensive and painful nuisance to boaters and swimmers, covering the undersides of docks, boats and virtually every other man-made object placed underwater. They become a potential major expense to taxpayers.

The DNR hosted a free educational seminar to educate the businesses in the lakes area about proper transfer methods for boats, docks and lifts. Unfortunately few of the Detroit Lakes area businesses attended, so it is up to the property owners at the lakes to make sure the proper procedures are used to transport equipment from lake to lake.