Zebra mussels were discovered by a local resident on July 27, 2010,  and confirmed by DNR biologists on July 28, 2010. DNR, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District field staff and Lake association staff conducted an extensive shoreline survey on Lake Minnetonka in the week following the discovery, and confirmed the presence of young (less than one year old) zebra mussels at 10 of 48 sites checked on the lake (See map).

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a significant threat to our region’s lakes, rivers and Minnehaha Creek. Left unmanaged, they will negatively impact local businesses, communities and the ability to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and the valuable natural resources of this area. While AIS are a growing concern across the state, there is local urgency to find community solutions. Time is running out to prevent their spread to water that is not yet infested.  

Plan:

MCWD initiated a 3-year study to monitor the distribution and population density of zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka. The information collected on the zebra mussel population will hopefully lead to better management techniques to reduce 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 altering the health of local lakes, streams and rivers.

Design:

MCWD staff selected 32 sites on Lake Minnetonka where zebra mussel samplers will be located. The sampler design is modeled off the Hester-Dendy plate sampler. The sampler is constructed of 4 pvc plates ranging in size: 6 x 6", 8 x 8", 10 x 10" and 12 x 12" plates. The plates are separated by pvc spacers to allow for the attachment and growth of zebra mussels. The plates and spacers are connected by an eyebolt, washer, and wingnut.

There are 2 samplers at each of the 32 sites on Lake Minnetonka. One sampler will be checked once a month, while the other sampler will be checked at the end of the summer (seasonal samplers).  The sampler that is checked on a monthly basis will be brought aboard the monitoring boat and disassembled. All zebra mussels found on the plates and spacers will be counted. The plates and spacers are cleaned off before the sampler is reassembled and placed back in the water. A similar procedure will be applied at the end of the summer for the seasonal samplers. All samplers will be put in storage for the winter.

NEWS RELEASE

March 24, 2011

Contact: 

Telly Mamayek, Communications Manager 
952-641-4508; tmamayek@minnehahacreek.org

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Holds Forum on Zebra Mussels
Metro Area Lake Associations and Concerned Citizens Invited

Deephaven, Minn. - The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), local lake associations and the state-wide non-profit Minnesota Waters, is hosting a forum on the status of zebra mussels and efforts to control their spread.

Local lake expert Steve McComas will give a summary of the invasive mussel’s presence in Lake Minnetonka and surrounding areas and the potential for its further spread.  MCWD Administrator Eric Evenson will give an overview of the different control and prevention measures being proposed.  In addition, a representative from the MN DNR will give an update on prevention and control efforts being made at the state level including recently proposed legislation designed to increase resources for invasive species control.

There will be an opportunity for questions and comments after the presentations.

When:   Wed. April 6th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Where:  Chanhassen Recreation Center

2310 Coulter Boulevard
Chanhassen, MN 55317

RSVP:  Alex Gehrig at alexg@minnesotawaters.org or 1-218-251-1462

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The 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. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.