Zebra mussels found in Sherburne County lake for first time

Zebra mussels have been found in a lake in Sherburne County for the first time.

According to a release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, zebra mussels have been confirmed in Lake Orono, near Elk River. It marks the first time that zebra mussels have been confirmed in a lake in Sherburne County.

Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species in Minnesota lakes.

Along with zebra mussels, two other invasive species were found in the lake: Eurasian watermilfoil and rusty crayfish.

The DNR started receiving reports of zebra mussels in the lake earlier in the month as a DNR permitted drawdown of the lake level began.

DNR officials remind Minnesotans that regardless of if invasive species are confirmed in a lake, Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to clean watercraft and trailers of aquatic plants, drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash.

More information on aquatic invasive species in Minnesota lakes can be found here.