Starry stonewort was confirmed in a Beltrami County segment of the Mississippi River.
According to a release from the Minnesota DNR, the invasive macroalgae was discovered by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s Department of Resource Management, who found it at a resort between Wolf and Andrusia lakes.
Starry stonewort was confirmed three years ago in Wolf Lake, and it was also confirmed further downstream in Cass Lake five years ago.
Starry stonewort has never been eradicated from any American lake or river, but with early detection and management, the infested area can be limited in size.
Funds are available for hand pulling, herbicide applications and other management methods.
