September 3, 2024

The MN DNR has listed Rice Lake in Stearns County as an infested water due to zebra mussels found upstream (Grove Lake in Pope County). There haven’t been any reports of zebra mussels in Rice Lake. If you see zebra mussels or another aquatic invasive species in Rice Lake, please call the watershed at (320) 346-2869.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Grove Lake, near the town of Grove Lake in Pope County, and Charlotte Lake, near Long Prairie in Todd County.

A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding a zebra mussel attached to a native mussel in Grove Lake. A DNR invasive species specialist later found another zebra mussel at the city park access, about one-half mile from the location of the initial discovery.

Drainage reports are available for CD5 and CD29. They can be found under the drainage tab. Ditches will be inspected on a three year rotating basis, and reports will be posted on the website as completed. Attached is the Districts inspection schedule.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Lake Koronis, near Paynesville in Stearns County.

On July 8, a  fishing guide snagged an adult zebra mussel on a hook and reported it to the DNR. DNR invasive species specialists searched the area and found no other zebra mussels. During a follow-up search, the DNR found one juvenile zebra mussel near the Lake Koronis Regional Park public water access.

$3.5 million grant for central Minnesota

The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture and more than 30 partners received a $3.5 million NRCS grant to implement conservation measures on irrigated land.