Officials have confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Big Carnelian Lake, following their discovery by a local homeowner. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), alongside the Carnelian Marine Saint Croix Watershed District and the conservation district, conducted a rapid response search that revealed a widespread and reproducing population of these invasive species.

The findings indicate that zebra mussels have likely been in the lake for approximately two to three years. Due to the extent of the infestation, officials stated that there are no feasible treatment options available. The DNR does not typically employ widespread chemical treatments for zebra mussels, particularly in high-quality lakes like Big Carnelian, as such measures could cause more harm than good to the ecosystem.

While the exact future of the zebra mussel population remains uncertain, experts predict that it will likely increase and then plateau over the next five to ten years. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about the impact of invasive species on local waterways and the challenges faced in managing their spread.