News release, Oct. 9
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*DNR News Release
*
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Oct. 9, 2025
*For more information:*
Contact the DNR Information Center
by email <
[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.
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*Zebra mussels confirmed in Munson Lake in Becker County, Lake Six in Otter Tail 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.
Property owners and lake service providers have reported several new zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes in recent years when removing docks, boats and boat lifts at the end of the season. 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.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).
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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]
*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *
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