Zebra mussels confirmed in Lake Owasso
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed zebra mussels in Lake Owasso, located in Roseville and Shoreview.
County partners found 13 zebra mussel shell fragments during a scuba survey of the lake. DNR staff found a live adult zebra mussel during a subsequent dive search. The initial Scuba survey was in coordination with a Ramsey County early detection program that includes environmental DNA analysis and water sampling for zebra mussel larvae.
This report is in addition to zebra mussels that were confirmed at Long Lake and Lake McCarrons in 2019, and Bald Eagle Lake and Lake Johanna in 2018.
Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.
Ramsey County has an active Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and coordinates inspections at the Ramsey County public boat launch sites.
Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to:
- Clean watercraft and trailers of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Ramsey County Parks & Recreation launched a web app earlier this year to help guide people through a quick and complete check of their watercraft. Learn more about Clean In, Clean Out.
More information is available on the DNR’s website.