Draining Omaha lake eyed to kill off 2 invasive species

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report says Omaha's Glenn Cunningham Lake would be closed to visitors and the lake drained to kill off two invasive species there.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the goal is to eliminate zebra mussels and common carp from the lake, lest they destroy the lake's entire fishery.

The presence of adult mussels in the lake was announced in August. The voracious eaters gobble up plankton many native freshwater fish need. The mussels can attach themselves to boat motors, bait buckets and dam mechanisms and cause damage to motors and facilities.

The corps is taking public comment until Oct. 17 on the plan and other options.