Featured photo: Starry stonewort on Minnesota lakebed. Photo courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources.
Starry stonewort has recently been confirmed in two northern Minnesota Lakes, Bowen Lake in Cass County and Turtle River Lake in Beltrami County.
The discovery in Turtle River Lake was made by Beltrami County Environmental Services staff during early detection surveys at area accesses.
DNR staff conducting surveys in Bowen Lake found the invasive starry stonewort near Backus.
The Bowen Lake sample was confirmed by New York Botanical Garden scientist Kenneth G. Karol as part of a statewide study to assess the distribution of native and non-native macroalgae.
Follow-up surveys are being conducted to determine the extent of starry stonewort in both these lakes.
Funds are available for an immediate response that may include hand-pulling, herbicide and other methods.
Starry stonewort has never been eradicated from any U.S. lake or river, but early detection is key to effective management.
