News Release

Aquatic Invasive Species Chinese Mysterysnail Confirmed in Voyageurs National Park

Date: November 1, 2019
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, [phone]
Contact: Ryan Maki, [phone]

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Snails collected from Kabetogama Lake in September 2019 were recently confirmed to be Chinese Mysterysnail, an aquatic invasive species that is widespread in the United States. These snails can outcompete native species in lakes and streams and can become a host in the life cycle of parasitic worms (trematodes) that can kill waterfowl. At present, there are no viable management options for eradication of the species from a lake once established. There is additional information available at the following links (Minnesota Sea Grant and United States Geological Survey):

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/mysterysnail

https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1044

The presence of a newly detected aquatic invasive species in Kabetogama Lake is a reminder that compliance with aquatic invasive species laws and recommendations to clean, drain, and dry watercraft and equipment is crucial in order to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species to new water bodies (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/preventspread_watercraft.html). It also underscores the importance of regulations and Best Management Practices in place to minimize the threat of spreading invasive species, now found in the large lakes of the park, to the fairly pristine interior lakes.

Regulations and Best Management Practices implemented to protect the interior lakes of the park are available at the following link: https://www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/aquatic-invasive-species.htm

You can make a difference by following aquatic invasive species regulations and Best Management Practices when you enjoy the lakes of Voyageurs National Park. Thank you for helping to protect the waters of Voyageurs National Park!