Starry stonewort found in three more lakes
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
(KMSP) - Starry stonewort, an invasive species, has been found in three more lakes, according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Officials confirmed the macro algae is in Lake Winnibigoshish in Itasca and Cass counties, Moose Lake in Beltrami County and Rice Lake in Stearns County.
Starry stonewort are grass-like macro algae that could create dense mats and could choke out native plants and disrupt lake use. The algae is usually spread by lake users who could transport fragments of the plant to other lakes.
FIRST REPORT: Residents: Starry stonewort a 'lake killer' for Minnesota lakes
“Since it was first confirmed in Minnesota, people are becoming more aware of how to identify starry stonewort and are bringing it to our attention,” said Heidi Wolf, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. “It is important for people to contact the DNR if they suspect they’ve found starry stonewort or any other aquatic invasive species.”
In light of the new confirmations, DNR officials are reminding lake users to clean, drain and dispose to limit the spread.