WHAT'S  NEW  AT  THE  LAKE

Chinese Mystery Snails Found in Lake Vermilion

The Chinese mystery snail has become Lake Vermilion’s second invasive aquatic animal, preceded by rusty crayfish in the 1980s. These golf ball-sized, olive-colored snails were first observed at a private dock in Spring Bay this past summer and reported to the DNR. The DNR sent a sample to their St Paul lab, which verified the preliminary identification.

Native to Asia, Chinese mystery snails were imported to California in 1892 for the Asia seafood market. They were later discovered in the wild on the east coast in 1915 and moved west. The Chinese mystery snail is now present in 90 Minnesota lakes and rivers.

How this species will affect our Lake Vermilion waters and fishery over time is largely unknown. The snail feeds on zooplankton and some types of algae, outcompeting native species for food and space. They can reproduce in great numbers washing up on beaches and shorelines. Overall, however, this snail is not believed to pose as serious a threat as zebra mussels.

So far, this invasive snail has only been observed around Spring Bay on the west end of the lake. The Sportsmen's Club will continue to check near-by bays to monitor any spread. You can help. Please report any suspicious snails outside Spring Bay to Board Member Bob Wilson [contact info].

For more information, please see the November 2011 issue of the Vermilion Sportsmen newsletter.

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Bill Rosner Joins Sportsmen's Club Board of Directors

Bill Rosner was elected to the Sportsmen's Club board at the lake association's August 6th annual meeting. He represents the Cook end of the lake. Bill will serve three years, replacing Jim Mueller, who chose to not run for re-election.

We express our thanks to Jim for his service on the board. Best wishes for the future!

Also elected to 3-year terms were current board members Bob Wilson, Dale Lundblad and Gary Whitenack.

Board meetings are open to all club members. Please check with any board member [contact info] for the time and location of the next meeting.

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