I'm happy to share a major positive update on our ongoing efforts to manage aquatic invasive species (AIS) in our lake. This year's focus is on curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), and we have received great news from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

After last fall's collaborative meeting with the DNR, our herbicide provider (PLM Lake & Land Management), and Freshwater Scientific Services (who maps the infestations), we requested a variance to treat all 69.4 acres of CLP in spring 2026. We maintained close communication with the DNR over the winter, and on March 19, 2026, we received approval for a variance to treat all 69 acres.

This variance is a big step forward—it allows us to address the majority of the CLP infestation in a targeted way. CLP is an aggressive early-season grower that starts under the ice, outcompeting native plants, reducing water clarity, and interfering with boating, fishing, and swimming. It also leaves behind massive biomass when it dies off mid-season.

Other invasives like flowering rush and Eurasian watermilfoil are currently well-managed thanks to our lake association members, and we have no active issues with starry stonewort or zebra mussels. This gives us a clear window to prioritize CLP.

Early spring herbicide treatment (shortly after ice-out) is highly selective: CLP is actively growing while most native plants are still dormant, minimizing impacts on beneficial vegetation. Cost estimates are $25,000 if we do the full 69.4 acres.

The goal is to treat before CLP produces new turions (tough, seed-like structures that sink into the sediment and can sprout new plants for years). By hitting it early and repeating over multiple years, we deplete these turions and reduce future outbreaks.

We'll coordinate closely with PLM for precise timing based on ice-out and water conditions (likely late April/early May—we'll notify everyone as soon as dates are set). Treatments will follow all DNR guidelines, including any short-term restrictions on water use in treated areas.

Regarding individual shoreline treatments: The DNR Fisheries Program issues Aquatic Plant Management (APM) permits. However, they may limit nearshore treatments to 25 x 100 feet, rather than allowing treatment across half of a property’s frontage. In some cases, they may also conduct site inspections to determine whether additional treatment is warranted.

Thank you for your continued support of these efforts—your membership dues, AIS donations and involvement make this all possible. We'll share more details soon, including maps of treatment areas, costs and monitoring results.

MN COLA has a AIS page worth reviewing.

Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) is an invasive macroalga (a large, plant-like form of algae, not a true plant) that's become a major concern in lakes across the northern U.S., including Minnesota. It's named for its distinctive star-shaped bulbils—tiny, cream-colored to white reproductive structures that look like little stars or jewels (about 2–6 mm in diameter, with 5–8 points). These bulbils are the key ID feature and set it apart from similar native algae like Chara (muskgrass), which lacks them.
Infected Wright County Lakes
- Clearwater Lake (confirmed 2023, in a small cove ~1.8 acres near the east basin).
- Pleasant Lake (confirmed around 2018, with access closures/treatments).
- Buffalo Lake (confirmed late 2025, sparse near south access).
- West Lake Sylvia (earlier cases with buffered treatments).
Early detection is crucial because bulbils survive in sediment and spread easily via boats/gear.

Most new infestations begin near boat launch ramps. If you spot something matching this on Granite Lake—especially near the access—grab a clear photo (focus on any star-shaped bits) and report to the lake association right away. [email protected]

How It Looks in the Water: In lakes, starry stonewort often creates dense, carpet-like growths in shallow to moderate depths (from near-shore to 20–30+ feet), resembling a bright green underwater lawn or meadow. It can form floating mats at the surface in heavy infestations, interfering with boating, swimming, and fishing. When pulled up (e.g., on a rake during surveys), it looks like a messy bundle of thin green threads with tiny star-like bumps.

PLM offers a two-treatment program in which we use herbicides and algaecides to maintain your lakefront. Invasive species not only harm natural lake life, but they are also nuisances to many recreational activities—our treatment alleviates the stress brought on when attempting to swim, fish, or boat in an infested area. In 2026, the DNR Fisheries APM may limit individual shoreline treatments to just 25 feet, in which case PLM would refund any prepaid additional frontage. This makes it a good year to consider increasing your GLWA AIS fund donation.

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