News release, Sept. 16



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*DNR News Release
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Sept. 16, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





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Zebra mussel larvae confirmed in Phalen chain of lakes in Ramsey County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussel larvae in Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake, part of the Phalen chain of lakes between Little Canada and Maplewood in Ramsey County.

Water samples from Lake Gervais, Kohlman Lake, Keller Lake and Spoon Lake were analyzed for zebra mussel larvae, called veligers.

While veligers were detected in Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake, the DNR has not found adult zebra mussels in any of the Phalen chain of lakes to date. However, the presence of veligers suggests reproducing zebra mussel populations. For that reason, Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake will be listed as infested for zebra mussels. Kohlman Lake and Keller Lake, which connect to Lake Gervais and Spoon Lake, will also be listed.

Because Round Lake and Lake Phalen are much farther downstream, they will not be listed for zebra mussels at this time. The DNR will sample Round Lake and Lake Phalen for veligers during peak season next year and as needed beyond that.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law also requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one waterbody to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the waterbody.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

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