GFP reminding residents who are returning to the water to prevent the spread of zebra mussels

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks wants to remind boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels as the weather begins to warm up and anglers are getting back out on the water. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that damage local ecosystems. Once they get into a body of water they are almost impossible to remove. Zebra mussels have been found in several northeast South Dakota lakes over the past two years. Game Fish and Parks reminds boaters to clean, drain and dry their watercraft after they get out of a body of water and entering a new one. This can help prevent the spread of the invasive species.