Zebra mussels found in second Day County lake

Zebra mussels have been discovered in a second Day County lake, this time South Rush Lake.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in a news release.

"Following confirmation of zebra mussels in Blue Dog Lake, GFP investigated neighboring waterbodies and found a single adult mussel near the boat ramp on South Rush Lake," said Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Tanner Davis. "GFP Fisheries staff continued investigation and found an additional mussel at a separate location on the lake."

More: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks confirms mussels discovered in Blue Dog Lake

Zebra mussels were confirmed at Blue Dog Lake in Day County Labor Day weekend.

"Due to the nature of water connectivity in northeast South Dakota, we will continue to monitor the situation and waterbodies within the region," Davis said. "South Rush Lake is now considered infested with zebra mussels.”

GFP has significantly enhanced efforts to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species in recent years, both educating anglers and boaters to clean, drain, dry every time they are on the water as well as physically inspecting boats prior to and/or after loading, according to the release.

"Our message to 'clean, drain, dry' has been spread widely across the state," said GFP Communications Manager, Nick Harrington. "Whether it be in your email, on social media, at the gas pump, or at the boat ramps themselves if you enjoy the water in South Dakota we know you are receiving our messages."

To date in 2022, GFP has sent 1.8 million emails with aquatic invasive species content, reached 341,000 people on social media, have reminders playing at 43 gas stations, and have placed signs at boat ramps across the state. These efforts have driven over 12,300 visitations to SDLeastWanted.sd.gov.

More: South Dakota lakes and streams group seeks more help on zebra mussels shown to stunt walleye growth

More than 16,300 watercraft inspection stations have happened across the state through August 2022. This is up from the previous high of 14,556 inspections through August 2021.

Boat plug compliance at all locations across the state has been between 93-100%.

"When we see such high plug compliance rates we know our messages are working. As we continue to work to slow the spread, new infestations such as this need to serve as another reminder to boaters and anglers the importance of doing their part," Harrington said.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Zebra mussels confirmed at South Rush Lake in Day County