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David Barsness * 952-448-5028

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Located at www.VictoriaGazette.com.

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Sebenaler Chiropractic Center

Chaska  *  952-448-9908

Christ Victorious Lutheran Church

Just south of Victoria  * 952-443-2993
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and the starshine of Victoria.

8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria

952-443-2351

To the Editor:

         Based on the success of the first year of an early detection monitoring program that aims to catch new aquatic invasive species before a full-blown infestation, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will expand its monitoring efforts to about 45 waterbodies in 2015.

         The District launched the program in 2014 to both find possible infestations early and to determine exactly which aquatic invasive species are in the lakes and streams across the watershed.  The program included frequent searches of water bodies considered at high risk for new infestation.

         The program most notably led to the discovery of zebra mussels in Christmas Lake in late August, which allowed a rapid response.  If no mussels are discovered in the lake this spring, it will be the first documented zebra mussel eradication in a Minnesota lake.

         In 2014 the District worked with a host of organizations to help fund AIS inspectors at public boat launches at Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Christmas Lake, and a variety of lakes throughout Carver County.

         Inspectors examined 43,262 watercraft during the season and on 24 occasions stopped zebra mussels from entering uninfested lakes.  There were numerous boats  found transporting aquatic plants.

         The District's partners included the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, City of Shorewood, Carver County, and the Three Rivers Park District.  The MN DNR also provides watercraft inspections at several Lake Minnetonka boat launches.  The District will continue to help fund inspections across the watershed in 2015.

         The MCWD and University of Minnesota are working to better understand the patterns of invasive carp in the Six Mile Creek chain of lakes west of Lake Minnetonka, where the carp are a known detriment to water quality.

         Entering the second year of the three-year study, researchers are closely tracking carp that have been implanted with radio-tags throughout the chain of lakes.  To date, 102 carp have been tagged.  The assessment has surveyed the age of carp in different parts of the system to understand where young carp are born and congregate.

         Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

         Minnetonka, Minnesota

 

To the Editor:

         The MN Department of Natural Resource will postpone the new aquatic invasive species training and trailer decal program that was due to launch at the end of the month while legislators consider changes to the program.

         Under a law passed by the state legislature in 2012, anyone trailering a boat or water-related equipment such as docks and lifts in Minnesota is required to take aquatic invasive species training and display a decal on their trailer.  The effective date is July 1, 2015.

         The DNR supports the education that would be provided under this law, but recognizes there are some concerns with the way the law is currently written.

         For example, people transporting boats on trailers through Minnesota to another destination are required to take the course and display a decal even if they don't put their boat in Minnesota waters.

         Since the training and decal are currently not required until July 1, the DNR wants to remind people that there will be time to see what happens legislatively and still take the course and receive decals.  The agency will post any updates on trailers and  alert the media if there are any program changes.

         MN Department of Natural Resources

         St. Paul, Minnesota

 

To the Editor:

         Aggressive computer viruses continue to make the rounds, causing unlucky computer users to see messages which threaten people with fines or prison unless they pay up.  These viruses encrypt, lock up, files on affected computers, holding them hostage, hence its name:  ransomware. 

         These viruses are spread through malicious links in emails or by visiting compromised websites.

         One of the newest versions of ransomware is CryptoWall.  Victims are infected with CrytoWall by clicking on links in malicious emails that appear to be from legitimate businesses and through compromised advertisements on popular websites.

         To avoid ransomware, make sure your computer has the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

         Avoid questionable websites and don't be lured in by popup windows.

         Don't open attachments in unsolicited emails, even if they come from people you know and trust.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Also, be aware that social networks are used to transmit and spread this virus and others like it.

         Dan  Hendrickson

         Better Business Bureau

         Minnesota and North Dakota

 

 

 

The Victoria GAZETTE

March 2015