Zebra Mussels Spread To Three New Lakes In Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. — The invasive water species known as Zebra Mussels have recently been identified in three Itasca County lakes.

The mussels were found on a pontoon boat and other equipment being removed for the season in Jessie, Turtle, and Trout lakes.

The invasive species were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988 and have spread from there. They disrupt local ecosystems by affecting the food supply while also being an issue for boats and swimmers.

To reduce the spread of any invasive species, Minnesota has regulations in place for the proper cleaning, draining, and drying of anything that has been in a body of water. For more information on invasive species or marine laws that reduce their spread, you can visit the DNR’s website.