Starry Stonewort Found In Stearns County Lake

(KNSI) – A Stearns County lake is one of four sites in the state where an invasive species is trying to grab a foothold.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has included Two Rivers Lake near Holdingford in a list where the invasive algae starry stonewort was recently discovered. The agency coordinates volunteers in early August each year for what it dubs Starry Trek. As the name suggests, starry stonewort is one of the plants they are on the lookout for.

At Two Rivers Lake, DNR invasive species specialists have confirmed that the plant has spread from the public access boat launch to an adjacent shoreline. The area affected stretches across roughly 1.5 acres. Starry stonewort gets its title from small star-shaped pods where young plants mature during the reproduction cycle. They are typically most prominent at this time of year.

Stonewort forms into dense mats that make it difficult for swimming, waterskiing, and other recreational sports. The coverage can also crowd out native plants.

Minnesota law requires boaters to take steps to avoid spreading potentially invasive species. Watercraft, trailers, and equipment have to be thoroughly cleaned to remove aquatic plants. Water must be drained and the plugs left out during the transport of a boat. Unused bait needs to be dropped into the trash. Dry docks, lifts, and rafts should sit for 21 days before being moved from one body of water to another.

___