"Exotics" is defined as the term for organisms that have been introduced into habitats where they are not native. They are considered to be among the most severe, world-wide agents of habitat alteration and degradation and are a major cause in the continuing loss of biological diversity throughout the world.

Whether exotic species are introduced accidentally or intentionally, it is risky business. Exotics will generally overrun their new home and run out native species once they have been introduced. Provided the presence of enough food and a favorable environment, their number will generally explode. 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.

In Minnesota, it is unlawful to:

• Transport aquatic plants on any public road, except: for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity; to the DNR in a sealed container for the purposes of identifying a species or reporting the presence of a species; when transporting a commercial aquatic plant harvester to a suitable location for purposes of cleaning any remaining aquatic macrophytes; or other exceptions provided by the law (per Minnesota Statutes. 84D.09).
  
  
• 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. A conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may order the removal of aquatic macrophytes or prohibited exotic species from a trailer or watercraft before it is placed into waters of the state (per Minnesota Statutes 84D.10).
  
  
• Transport water and live fish from infested waters. Water from infested waters may not be used to transport fish (per Minnesota Rule 6216.0500).
  
  
• Leave waters infested with zebra mussels without draining bait containers, other boating-related equipment holding water, and livewells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the watercraft and associated equipment on public roads (per Minnesota Rule 6216.0500).

Despite these laws, the transfer of exotics continue to be a concern for all bodies of water in Minnesota. To address human transfer of exotics, the MN DNR has established the following checklist:

CHECKLIST

Clean boats, clean waters...

If you are a water recreationalist- a boater, an angler, a waterskier, sailor, or a canoeist-there are some important things you can do. DON'T transport water, animals, or plants from one lake or river to another. In many states, it is illegal to transport exotics species.

 Remove ALL plants AND animals from your boat, trailer, and accessory    equipment(anchors, centerboards, trailer hitch, wheels, rollers, cables, axles)  before leaving the water access area.

 Drain your livewells, bilge water, and transom wells before leaving the water access area.

 Empty your bait bucket on land, never into the water. Never dip your bait or  minnow bucket into one lake if it has water in it from another. And never dump  live fish from one water body into other waters.

 Wash your boat, tackle, downriggers, and trailer with hot water when you get    home. Flush water through your motor's cooling system and other boat parts that    normally get wet. If possible, let everything dry for three days before transporting your boat to another body of water. (Both hot water and drying will kill zebra  mussel larvae and spiny waterfleas).

 Learn what these organisms look like (at least those you can see). If you suspect a  new infestation of an exotic plant or animal, report it to the MN DNR at 296-2835.

 Consult the DNR for recommendations and permits before your try to control or eradicate an exotic "pest". Remember, exotic "pest" species thrive on disturbance.    Do-it-yourself control treatments often make matters worse and can harm native species.