Disagreement between Red Lake Nation and Minnesota DNR on combating zebra mussels

Red Lake Nation leaders and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials are at odds over how to combat zebra mussels in Upper Red Lake. The dispute came to a head at a recent meeting of tribal leaders, where Red Lake Secretary Sam Strong questioned the state’s approach. The tribe is concerned about the impact of zebra mussels on the walleye population in the area. Legislation introduced to return state lands to the tribe has added to tensions, with concerns over access to the lake for non-tribal citizens. The tribe has proposed a conservation agreement with the state to manage zebra mussels but the DNR has rejected the idea. The agency maintains its efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species have been effective. The disagreement reflects broader tensions between the tribe and state officials over resource management in the region.

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