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Zebra Mussels Confirmed at The Blandin Reservoir Near Grand Rapids & Big Pine Lake, Aitkin County

MN DNR

We talked with Rich Rezankathis morning about the News Release on the connected lakes to the Blandin Reservoir being added to the infested waters list.  This includes Pokegama, Jay Gould and Little Jay Gould lakes. 

Zebra mussels confirmed in Blandin Reservoir near Grand Rapids September 24, 2018

Several connected lakes also added to infested waters list

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Blandin Reservoir on the Mississippi River, abutting the city of Grand Rapids in Itasca County. Several lakes connected to the reservoir by a Mississippi River tributary are also being added to the infested waters list. 

Itasca County invasive species staff contacted the DNR after finding zebra mussels on settlement samplers that were installed this spring near the public access on the east side of the reservoir. Settlement samplers are solid surfaces placed in the water that people can regularly check for attached zebra mussels.

DNR invasive species staff confirmed zebra mussels on old saw logs and other logging relics throughout the reservoir. The Mississippi River splits near the reservoir, and a tributary connects several nearby lakes. Because of the connection, Lake Pokegama, Jay Gould Lake, Little Jay Gould Lake, and the Mississippi River from Lake Winnibigoshish to Mississippi Lake will also be added to the infested waters list.

Read more of the press release

here.

Zebra mussels confirmed in Big Pine Lake in Aitkin County

September 24, 2018

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed reports of zebra mussels in Big Pine Lake, just northwest of Mille Lacs Lake in Aitkin County. 

A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding four adult zebra mussels on docks and boat lifts being removed from the lake for the season. The DNR confirmed zebra mussels at that location and about a half-mile west of the original location. No zebra mussels were found during searches of the nearest public access and near an island on the lake.

Read more of this press release here.

Heidi Holtan is KAXE's Director of Content and Public Affairs where she manages producers and is the local host of Morning Edition from NPR. Heidi is a regional correspondent for WDSE/WRPT's Duluth Public Television’s Almanac North.