Starry Stonewort Confirmed in Four New Minnesota Lakes

Strategic Insights -

Recent search efforts have led to the discovery of invasive starry stonewort in four new Minnesota lakes, including Garfield Lake in Hubbard County, Gull Lake in Beltrami County, Three Island Lake in Beltrami County, and Two Rivers Lake in Stearns County. The confirmation comes after a statewide volunteer event, Starry Trek, in which county and state staff and volunteers searched lakes for the invasive algae. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct additional surveys to determine the extent of starry stonewort and work with local entities to assess potential management options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starry stonewort has been confirmed in 35 waterbodies in Minnesota, including the four new lakes: Garfield Lake, Gull Lake, Three Island Lake, and Two Rivers Lake.
  • The invasive algae was first found in Minnesota in 2015 and can form dense mats that interfere with recreational uses of a lake and compete with native plants.
  • Starry stonewort primarily spreads when fragments are not properly cleaned from water-related equipment, and treatment or careful removal can help reduce the risk of spread.
  • Early detection is key to effective management, with Minnesota law requiring people to clean watercraft, trailers, and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
  • The DNR recommends decontaminating watercraft and equipment, drying them for at least five days before using in another waterbody, and contacting a DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if invasive species are suspected.

Statistics:

  • 35 waterbodies in Minnesota have been confirmed to have starry stonewort since its first discovery in 2015.
  • The four new lakes where starry stonewort has been confirmed are located in Hubbard, Beltrami, and Stearns counties.
  • 2.62 acres of Two Rivers Lake have been affected by the invasive algae.
  • Starry stonewort has never been eradicated from any U.S. lake or river, but treatment or careful removal can help reduce the risk of spread.

Sources:

  • "Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Press Release" (no publication date)
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, courtesy decontamination page (no publication date)
  • Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota (no publication date)