Carver County officials say that starting this spring, all boats entering Lake Minnewashta will be checked for zebra mussels. It’s the first time the state Department of Natural Resources has given a local government authority to take over such an inspection program. Zebra mussels have infested about two dozen Minnesota lakes. The DNR is trying to stop their spread by increasing its own inspections at boat landings and on roads, but Steve Gunther of the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association says the DNR can’t do it alone. He says the state needs to partner with local governments to keep zebra mussels from spreading. Gunther says he is proud of Carver County’s plan. It’s considered to be a pilot program.