Zebra Mussel Monitoring

Since the discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka in July 2010, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) continues to work with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other agencies as well as local partners to study zebra mussel distribution in Lake Minnetonka and monitor for the presence of the invasive in the other lakes. We need  your help to document if and where this invasive species is located. Read more about what the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is doing as a part of its monitoring program.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species. They are small, fingernail-sized mussels that attach to any solid surfaces in water. Adults are 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and have D-shaped shells with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. They are now found in parts of Lake Minnetonka. Zebra mussels can reproduce rapidly, limit recreational activities and alter aquatic ecosystems.

What you can do:

As you prepare for winter, you can help by participating in DNR’s zebra mussel monitoring program. Please check for zebra mussels when removing boats, jet skis, water toys, docks, boat lifts, pumps and other equipment. You can report your zebra mussel findings by submitting your results online.