Invasive Species
Starry Stonewort (SSW) Project
SSW was discovered in the Starbuck Marina in August 2017. SSW has also been found in the main channel just outside the Marina. Over each of the last several years since discovery, the MLA has been proactively working to contain the Starry Stonewort issue including expanded survey areas in 2023 and again in 2025.
There are currently no available treatments to eradicate SSW so it is critical that we continue our efforts to minimize the spread.
Our initial SSW treatments in 2018 covered 1.5 acres. In 2024 we identified and treated 1.7 acres. It is encouraging that the 2024 surveys indicated that SSW appears to be contained within the treatment area. In 2025, the MLA will survey 5 acres outside the Marina plus the areas around four (4) boat ramps on the main lake and provide treatments accordingly.
Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Project
MLA has been fighting EWM since 2013, initially treating over 40 acres. In the years since, we have had good success treating this aquatic invasive species. In 2023, we began treating EWM with a new product called ProcellaCOR. Although this is a more expensive option, it is very eco-friendly and has shown results in killing and controlling the spread of EWM for up to three years.
Lake Minnewaska covers many acres of water and it is not realistic to think we will be able to fully eradicate EWM from the lake. Due to continuing MLA efforts, we are finding many previous treatment sites where the native vegetation has taken over, stunting the growth of EWM.
In 2024 we found 8.4 acres of treatable EWM and the treatment was applied in mid-July. Post-treatment surveys showed good success in reducing and containing EWM.
The MLA in 2025 will conduct the required pre-treatment meandering survey of 18 acres in June or early July where we have found EWM in the past to determine the infested areas for treatment in 2025. With relatively light snow cover and an early anticipated ice-out this year, we are expecting more weed growth in 2025. The exact timing of the survey and treatments will be based on the weather and water conditions this spring. We will continue our work to control the spread of EWM over the coming years.
How Minnewaska Lake Association
Handles the Infestation
We started treating the INVASIVE Species Eurasian Milfoil on Lake Minnewaska in 2013 and have continued every year since. When we first started there was about 44 acres of this Invasive species. In 2021 we were down to 18.1 acres. In 2022, due to the high water and cool water temperatures the Milfoil did not grow as in the past. These issues also had a very significant impact on the native grasses. We could only find 5.3 acres to treat in 2022. That is good news, however it will most likely come back depending on the conditions in the spring of 2023. We will be surveying the lake areas again the spring of 2023 and be treating any areas that we find Milfoil.
Another INVASIVE species that was found in Lake Minnewaska is Starry Stonewort. It was found in the Marina in Starbuck in 2018. In 2019 there were treatments performed and had good results. In 2020 the MLA turned this project over the city of Starbuck. In 2021 the MLA hired a contractor to survey 183 acres in the main lake in front of the Starbuck Marina. Unfortunately they found 1.52 acres of Starry Stonewort straight out in the main channel from the marina. The MLA is working with a contractor and Pope County and there are plans to treat this very invasive species in 2023 to avoid it spreading any farther into the lake.
To find out more about these invasive species, click on the buttons below.
