Zebra Mussels Found In Becker County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Munson Lake, near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, and Lake Six, near Frazee in Otter Tail County.

Pelican River Watershed District staff contacted the DNR after a Munson Lake property owner found zebra mussels attached to a boat lift. During a follow-up search, DNR invasive species staff immediately found an adult zebra mussel attached to a native mussel near the public access. Munson Lake is upstream of Lake Sallie, where zebra mussels were found in 2016.

The DNR received reports of zebra mussels on equipment being removed from Lake Six for the season. A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed the presence of zebra mussels on the equipment. Lake Six is upstream of Scalp Lake, where zebra mussels were found in 2021.

It is a good reminder to carefully inspect boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage.

Remember to also keep docks and boat lifts out of the water for at least 21 days before putting them into another body of water. This is state law.