 The Beltrami County Environmental Services Department is reminding all residents about the harmful economic and environmental effects of invasive species. As a part of the National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the department is informing Minnesotans about the dangers the various species can pose in the water and on the land. Zebra mussels are one of the more common and quickly spreading species in area lakes. The small animals can clog water in intake pipes, attach to boat motors and cut the feet of swimmers. Before you go to a place, you know, make sure your equipment, boat, trailer, boots or whatever you have, walking sticks, anything that you bring with you is clean before you go there and then when you before you leave and get in your car or into your boat, make sure you clean off everything else. 25 aquatic and 62 terrestrial invasive species have been identified by the DNR in Minnesota. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.