GLENWOOD, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Minnewaska in Pope County near Glenwood.

Earlier this week, DNR snorkeling crews discovered another zebra mussel three miles from the location where, earlier this month, lakeshore residents found an adult zebra mussel attached to the metal portion of a boat seat mount that was submerged in four feet of water.

Based on its size, the newly discovered mussel is 2-years-old, which suggests that there are at least two different year classes in the lake and both are of reproductive age, DNR officials said.

"At this point they are basically invisible to the naked eye. Later this summer and into fall, we'll be conducting more thorough surveys when the young of the year become visible and begin attaching to boat lifts and docks." said Nathan Olson, DNR aquatic invasive species specialist in Fergus Falls.

This is the first zebra mussel infestation reported in Pope County. The DNR designated Minnewaska, the waters between Lake Minnewaska and Lake Emily, and Lake Emily as infested waters.

Although zebra mussels have not been confirmed in Lake Emily, water from Lake Minnewaska flows into the lake and this designation will serve as a way to stay ahead of an infestation, meaning regulations, education and enforcement to limit the spread of invasive species will increase in these waters.

More information about aquatic invasive species is available on DNR Website at www.mndnr.gov/AIS.

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