As recreation boating season winds down and waterfowl hunting season ramps up, Nebraskans are urged to check boats, boat lifts and docks for invasive species when removing them from the water.

Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to take special care prior to launching boats so as not to contribute to the spread of zebra mussels or aquatic invasive plants.

Aquatic hitchhikers like zebra mussels can live up to two weeks out of water and several lakes across the Midwest are first noticed to be infested by people removing boats, lifts and docks for the winter.

Young zebra mussels – or veligers – are...