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DNR confirms zebra mussels in Beltrami Lake

KAXE
Published July 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM CDT
Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species found in Minnesota lakes.
Contributed
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NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species found in Minnesota lakes.

A Beltrami Lake property owner made the initial call to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources after finding zebra mussels attached to rocks in the lake.

BEMIDJI — Zebra mussels are confirmed present in Beltrami Lake north of Bemidji.

According to a Thursday, July 17, news release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said a lakeshore property owner made the initial call to its office after finding zebra mussels attached to rocks. A DNR invasive species specialist found an adult zebra mussel attached to another rock nearby in a follow-up search.

Beltrami Lake was previously infested with starry stonewort.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to clean aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species off of watercraft, trailers and equipment; drain water from drain plugs; dispose of unwanted bait in the trash; and dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them between waterbodies.

Beltrami Lake is just north of the Lake Bemidji State Park on Highway 71.
Contributed
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MN DNR
Beltrami Lake is just north of the Lake Bemidji State Park on Highway 71.
Tags
Local News Aquatic Invasive SpeciesBeltrami CountyWaterKAXEMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
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