State wildlife officials confirmed the presence of starry stonewort in Leech Lake.
According to a release, a professional hired to remove aquatic plants near Anderson’s Cove Resort made the initial contact to the DNR.
A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed the invasive macroalgae throughout the marina in Steamboat Bay.
Nearby Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish also have starry stonewort infestations.
State funding is available to immediately respond to the spread in Leech Lake, for hand pulling, herbicide applications and possibly other methods.
State officials plan to work with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe for a coordinated response, as Leech Lake is largely within the boundaries of the reservation.
The DNR reminds boaters and anglers to follow Minnesota laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:
- Clean aquatic plants and animals from watercraft.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
