Since it is rarely, if ever possible, to eliminate an exotic, the best approach is to prevent the introduction of exotics. Before the State and the LMCD had established prevention efforts for harmful exotic species, two harmful exotic species were introduced to Lake Minnetonka. Those species included Eurasian watermilfoil and purple loosestrife . Other species such as zebra mussel , hydrilla, water chestnut, ruffe, round goby, and rudd could be unintentionally transported to Lake Minnetonka in the future. Overall, the most common means of infesting bodies of water with exotics is through humans.
State law prohibits the transportation of several harmful exotics.
Place or attempt to place into waters of the state a watercraft, a trailer, or plant harvesting equipment that has aquatic macrophytes, zebra mussels, or prohibited exotic species attached. Transport water and live fish from infested waters. Despite these laws, the transfer of exotics continue to be a concern for all bodies of water in Minnesota. DON'T transport water, animals, or plants from one lake or river to another. In many states, it is illegal to transport exotics species.