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Troublesome zebra mussels are spreading rapidly throughout one of Minnesota's outdoor recreational jewels -- Lake Minnetonka, officials said Wednesday.

In the first of monthly surveys by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the invasive species was detected at most testing sites across the west metro lake.

The mussels were first detected in the lake's Wayzata Bay last summer, and they had spread by last fall across much of the eastern half of Lake Minnetonka.

This spring, the district began a three-year study by placing two monitoring devices at 32 sites from Gray's Bay to Halsted Bay.

In the first monthly check in late June, zebra mussels were found at 26 of the locations. There was no evidence of zebra mussels at three sites (Halsted Bay, Harrisons Bay and Coffee Cove). Monitoring devices were lost at three other locations and will be replaced.

"It's no surprise the zebra mussel infestation is spreading west across the lake," said Kelly Dooley, the district's water quality technician. "This invasive species is known for its rapid growth, and we're committed to doing everything we can to prevent its spread to other waters, but we need the public's help. We all need to do our part to save the summers we love at local lakes and streams by stopping the spread of zebra mussels."

Left to their own devices, zebra mussels will continue to spread, littering beaches with their sharp shells. They will damage boats and equipment and destroy the health of local lakes, rivers and streams.

Lake Minnetonka, covering more than 14,500 acres and with 125 miles of shoreline, is situated within a quick drive for millions of Minnesotans. It offers an array of attractions, ranging from fishing, boating and swimming to shoreside dining and partying.

A public-awareness campaign to fight the spread of zebra mussels began this summer reminding people to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment before entering new water. For more information, visit the "Save Our Summers" page at www.minnehahacreek.org/saveoursummers.php.

"It is extremely likely that zebra mussels will be introduced into Christmas, Minnewashta and other lakes surrounding Lake Minnetonka unless something is done to inspect boats and manage access at these lakes," Eric Evenson, director of the watershed district, said last week.

Evenson joined several environmental groups in urging Gov. Mark Dayton to close public accesses at all state lakes and rivers infested with aquatic invasive species during a government shutdown.

Zebra mussels also infest Lake Mille Lacs and at least 20 other Minnesota lakes, along with the St. Croix, Mississippi and Zumbro rivers, among other state waters.