Officials are investigating the discovery of a single zebra mussel found in Lake Minnewaska, a popular 7,000-acre lake near Glenwood in Pope County.
Lakeshore residents recently found what appears to be an adult zebra mussel attached to a boat seat mount that was submerged in the water. A Department of Natural Resources snorkeling crew checked the area on Wednesday, but found no other zebra mussels.
However, officials are continuing to search the lake. If confirmed, it would be the first zebra mussel infestation in Pope County.
"We didn't find any mussels in the spot where the boat seat mount was located, so we will search the surrounding area, moving farther and farther outward," said Nathan Olson, aquatic invasive species specialist in Fergus Falls.
Just last week, officials found zebra mussels in Pelican Lake near Brainerd in Crow Wing County, another highly used lake.
Officials said if they don't find more zebra mussels in Minnewaska, more thorough checks will be done this fall when boat lifts and docks are pulled from the water.
DOUG SMITH
