ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in Bowstring Lake, located mostly within the Leech Lake Reservation in Itasca County.
Itasca County invasive species staff contacted the DNR after finding two adult zebra mussels attached to old, submerged tires in separate locations outside reservation waters on the northeast side of the lake. DNR invasive species specialists determined that at least one of the mussels had likely been in the lake for more than one year.
A subsequent survey of the entire north shore of Bowstring Lake by Itasca County invasive species staff revealed a number of adult zebra mussels. Their distribution was described as “widespread but not numerous,” suggesting early detection.
Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors, and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.
More information is available at mndnr.gov/ais.
