DNR: Lake Virginia Now Infested With Zebra Mussels
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – State officials say they've confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in a west metro lake connected to Lake Minnetonka, which has been infested with the invasive species for years.
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District says that an inspection Monday confirmed that zebra mussels are in Lake Virginia. The lake, which is near Excelsior, Minn., is now considered infested by the DNR.
Officials say this didn't come as a surprise.
"Unfortunately this finding is not unexpected due to Lake Virginia's connection with Lake Minnetonka, which has been infested with zebra mussels since 2010," said Craig Dawson, of the watershed district.
The DNR says it's not considering control action, because it's likely zebra mussels will just be re-introduced by the channel connecting Lake Virginia to Lake Minnetonka.
Officials said the zebra mussels were initially spotted in mid-August by a citizen checking water levels near the public access.
This map shows where the zebra mussels were found.