Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Lake Memphremagog Threaten Vermont Waters

Vermont officials have confirmed that the invasive zebra mussel has now spread throughout Lake Memphremagog. The mussels, first found in the Canadian part of the lake in 2018, are now confirmed in U.S. waters. Until now, only Lake Champlain and Lake Bomoseen were known to be affected in Vermont. Zebra mussels are small but cause big problems—clogging water intake pipes and pushing out native species. They reproduce rapidly and can be hard to contain. Kimberly Jensen with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation says this is a major concern: “We expect to see more of them moving into the southern region of the lake over time. That’s why we’re urging everyone to follow the Clean, Drain, Dry initiative—especially when moving boats or gear between lakes.” The mussels originally came to North America in the ballast water of ships and have been spreading ever since.