Community Corner

Report: Zebra Mussels Rapidly Spreading

Nearly all MCWD Testing Sites Show Presence of Invasive Species.

Initial sampling by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) found that zebra mussels are rapidly spreading throughout Lake Minnetonka.  The first of monthly surveys was completed recently and found zebra mussels present at most District testing sites across the lake. 

Zebra mussels were first detected in Wayzata Bay last summer and follow-up data collected last fall found zebra mussels across much of the eastern half of Lake Minnetonka. This spring, the MCWD launched a three-year study by placing two monitoring devices at each of 32 sites from Gray’s Bay to Halsted Bay. During its first monthly check of the devices in late June, the District found zebra mussels at 26 locations. There was no evidence of zebra mussels at five of the sites (Halsted Bay, Harrisons Bay and Coffee Cove) and the monitoring devices were lost at three other locations.  The lost devices are being replaced this week.

“It’s no surprise the zebra mussel infestation is spreading west across the lake,” said MCWD Water Quality Technician Kelly Dooley.  “This invasive species is known for its rapid growth and we’re committed to doing everything we can to prevent its spread to other waters, but we need the public’s help.  We all need to do our part to save the summers we love at local lakes and streams by stopping the spread of zebra mussels.”

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The three-year MCWD study will document the extent of the zebra mussel infestation and give scientists baseline information to help them better understand and manage the spread of this invasive species.  Left unmanaged, zebra mussels will continue to spread, littering beaches with their sharp shells, damaging boats and equipment, and destroying the health of local lakes, rivers and streams.

The monitoring effort comes amid a public awareness campaign the MCWD launched this summer in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  The “Save Our Summers” campaign reminds people to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment before entering new water to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.  For more information, visit the “Save Our Summers” page at www.minnehahacreek.org.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. 


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