Invasive zebra mussel infestation closes Omaha lake

OMAHA, Nebraska (AP) — State parks officials have confirmed an infestation of invasive zebra mussels at Glenn Cunningham Lake in north Omaha and have announced the lake’s closure.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission confirmed the discovery of adult zebra mussels at the lake two weeks ago. To prevent the spread of the mussels to other local water bodies, the lake will be closed beginning Friday to all watercraft for the remainder of the 2018 season.

Omaha’s parks and Recreation department says the decision to close the lake “has been a group effort” with the state commission, city of Omaha, the Nebraska Invasive Species Program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Officials again urged boat owners to slow the spread of the mussels by cleaning, draining and drying boats after each use.