Zebra mussels confirmed in Meeker County lake

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed reports of zebra mussels in Lake Minnie-Belle, near Litchfield in Meeker County.

A DNR-trained watercraft inspector reported finding a zebra mussel on a settlement sampler on a dock on the southeast side of Lake Minnie-Belle.

An inspector found a second zebra mussel on the wheel of a dock, a third on a settlement sampler on the northeast side of the lake and a fourth attached to a boat lift.

The DNR is asking property owners to check boats, trailers, docks and boat lifts for invasive species when putting equipment away for the season.

Zebra mussels are known to compete with native species, cut the feet of swimmers and cause damage to water intake pipes, according to the DNR.

If anyone thinks they have found an invasive species, they are asked to contact a DNR aquatic invasive species specialist.