DNR Lists Northern Minn. Lake As Infested With Zebra Mussels

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A lake in Minnesota's arrowhead region is now listed as infested with zebra mussels after a can encrusted with the invasive species was discovered during a fisheries assessment.

The Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday that biologists from the Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa found the can in Crooked Lake, located near the town of Finland in Lake County.

Initial searches of parts, however, failed to turn up any other zebra mussels. Still, the DNR is classifying Crooked Lake as infested.

"Although we weren't able to locate additional adult zebra mussels on the first survey, designating the lake now as an infested water body is the right thing to do," said Rich Rezanka, an invasive species specialist with the DNR.

There will be additional searches of Crooked Lake and connected downstream waters, the DNR said. The connected waters to be investigated include: Artlip Lake, Houghtailing Creek, Wanless Creek, and Cross River.

Rezanka said that lake users should always follow aquatic invasive species protocol  whether signs are posted or not.

Finland, Minn., is about 65 miles northeast of Duluth.