 The DNR hosted a public meeting tonight to inform residents who will be affected by the removal of a barrier on Kimball Creek near Pequot Lakes. The boulders were originally put in place in 2004 to keep zebra mussels from spreading through the chain from Oswina Maquie through the chain to Kimball Lake. Zebra mussels have infested Kimball Lake since 2016 and barriers are no longer serving their original purpose and will be taken down to increase navigational access. Residents are very passionate and I understand it because I'm a lake resident as well and we really love our lakes and so what I heard tonight were the expressions of optimism on being able to restore the connectivity of the lakes, concerns about some of the consequences with increased boat traffic. The removal could happen as early as this fall but water flow, weather conditions and budgets are all factors in deciding a date. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.