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Each year the list of zebra
mussel infested waters in
Illinois grows. To date,
zebra mussels have been
reported in Lake Michigan,
several river systems
(including the Calumet, Chicago, Des Plaines, Fox,
Kankakee, Illinois, Mazon, Mississippi, Ohio, Rock,
Wabash, and possibly DuPage), and numerous inland
lakes (see table below). This list represents only those
rivers and lakes where zebra mussel populations have
actually been reported. Since zebra mussels are easily
transported from one waterbody to another, especially
when precautions are not taken, it is possible that zebra
mussel populations exist in additional inland lakes or
rivers, but these populations remain undetected or
unreported. In order to determine the extent of the zebra
mussel expansion in Illinois, we are requesting your help
this fall to look for zebra mussels in your lake.
As lake stewards, your
actions are crucial for helping
to prevent the spread and
potentially reducing the
impact of this aquatic
invasive species (AIS) in
Illinois. Education and early
detection are key. Learn how
to identify this AIS and
participate in the zebra
mussel monitoring effort that
is part of the VLMP. Page 11
of your VLMP Training Manual (March 2003 edition)
has additional information on monitoring procedures.
Fall is an ideal time for zebra mussel monitoring because
lake water levels often are low. A little extra poking around
exposed shorelines, seawalls, or rocks when water levels are
low is really all that is required. Know that zebra mussels
do not like direct sunlight and are often found on the
underside of rocks and structures. They can also be found
attached to aquatic plants, native mussels, or even to each
other. If possible, inspect several areas around your lake,
especially boat ramps and marinas. Zebra mussels are often
introduced to a lake through boating activities and it may
take several years before they spread from the original site
of introduction to other areas in the lake.
Take Time to Monitor Your Lake
for Zebra Mussels This Fall
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha).
Note the variation in shell color and patterns.
(Photo from U.S. Geological Survey -
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species website.)
County Illinois Inland Lake
Calhoun Co. Swan Lake
Cook Co. Axehead Lake, Skokie Lagoons, Wolf Lake
DuPage Co. Deep Quarry Lake
Grundy Co. Beaver Lake, Goose Lake, Heidecke Lake, Lincoln Lake
Kankakee Co. Manteno Lake
Lake Co. Bangs Lake, Cedar Lake, Fox Chain-O-Lakes, Diamond Lake, Druce Lake, East Loon Lake, West
Loon Lake, Gages Lake, Independence Grove Lake, Lake Minear, Slocum Lake, Sterling Lake, Third
Lake, Tower Lake, Lake Zurich
McHenry Co. Lake Elizabeth, Crystal Lake, Griswold Lake
Tazewell Co. Peoria Lake (Illinois River)
Illinois Inland Lakes with reported zebra mussel infestations
(information provided by IL-IN Sea Grant )
VLMP
MANUAL
