Invasive algae discovered in second Minnesota lake
A second infestation of a fast growing invasive algae has been discovered in Minnesota.
The Department of Natural Resources reports a new infestation of starry stonewort in Turtle lake near Bemidji.
DNR invasive species supervisor Heidi Wolf says the infestation is less than one acre in size.
Last year an infestation of about 250 acres of starry stonewort was found in Lake Koronis near Alexandria.
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The grass like algae is difficult to control.
"So far they've been able to do some copper treatment which has shown some biomass reduction," said Wolf. "But I think, you know, people think in terms of getting rid of it and so far in the U. S. there hasn't been any lake that's completely gotten rid of starry stonewort."
Wolf says the algae is a troublesome invader that can cause multiple problems in a lake.
"The biggest concern is that it will grow to the surface and mat, causing recreational difficulties, it'll out compete native plants and disrupt those communities and that it could also in the same way disrupt fish spawning or not be good habitat for young fish," said Wolf.
Additional research is underway to find more effective treatments for the invasive algae, which was likely introduced to the U.S. when a ship dumped ballast water in the Great Lakes in the 1970s.
The U.S. Geological Survey identifies starry stonewort infestations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The DNR will conduct surveys of lakes connected to Turtle lake to see if the starry stonewort has spread.
Wolf says carefully cleaning boats and equipment is the best way to avoid spreading invasive species.