The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Grand Lake, near Rockville in Stearns County.

According to the DNR, the Grand Lake Improvement District contacted the DNR about three adult zebra mussels found by lake users on the shorelines. DNR staff conducted a search of the lake and found an additional 11 adult zebra mussels distributed throughout the 650-acre lake.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to: clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.

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.