Managing Aquatic Invaders Webinar Review
On July 16, 2024, the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates presented the “Managing Aquatic Invaders” webinar to raise awareness about aquatic invasive species (AIS) by presenting the latest strategies and statewide data to combat these invaders.
We all know AIS poses a profound threat to our lakes and rivers which disrupt native biodiversity and jeopardize recreational lake and river activities. Aquatic management is an evolving science, and Minnesota benefits from research by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Center. Speakers included Keegan Lund, an experienced biologist in aquatic and terrestrial plant management, and Michael Verhoeven, an ecologist from the University of Minnesota focusing on climate impacts on fisheries and the dynamics between invasive and native species.
SLA Vice President Jane Krentz kindly volunteered to attend the webinar, and report on what she learned for the benefit of Square Lake Association members. MLR recorded the webinar, which is available here. Jane reported that the information presented was interesting and informative, however the focus was on post-intrusion chemical herbicide treatments - rather than on proactive AIS management best practices – that are better aligned with SLA's Protect & Preserve mission.
With thanks to Jane, here's a summary of her webinar notes:
Eurasian Water Milfoil
MLR highlighted case studies on milfoil management with post-intrusion chemical treatments.
One option is using a low dose of herbicide called Fluridone, which is highly selective (impacting the target plant) and at low rates does not harm most native plants. With any post-intrusion AIS management action, there will be some detrimental environmental impact, but native plants remain generally unchanged or improve after Fluridone treatment.
Considerations to keep in mind before utilizing Fluridone treatment include:
Not all aquatic populations are problematic.
Early detection and rapid response are keys to success.
Treatment protocols apply to population level management.
Long-term planning on how and when to utilize is essential for optimizing treatment ROI.
There has been greater success when adjusting the CET (Concentration Exposure Time) for each case, but money, time and patience is required. The treatment is monitored to determine FOO (Frequency of Occurrence) for Fluridone to be used. The second option is for Milfoil spot control that uses a treatment called ProcellaCOR.
Curly-Leaf Pondweed
For curly-leaf pondweed, the DNR issues approximately 150 permits per year for treatment across the state. That treatment consists of using Penoxsulam. However, not all cases of curly-leaf pondweed require treatment – which we continue to monitor and learn more about. Also, the prior Square Roots Blog post, Curley-Leaf Pondweed Update, has more valuable information.
Starry Stonewort
If Starry Stonewort enters the lake, herbicides and algicides will likely fail to eradicate the AIS infestation. Instead, hand removal and cleaning of boats at the boat launch area is critical for early detection. Here is more information about MLR’s efforts to Stop Starry Stonewort. Read also our prior Blog post: MLR’s Stop Starry Program is Critical Shielding Strategy to Protect Lakes and Lake Communities.
For us to continuously improve our efforts to keep Square Lake AIS free, it's best to think and act proactively - with an increased focus on prevention, especially at the boat launch to help educate boaters about the importance of cleaning their boats before each lake visit to prevent the spread.
To help us to collectively reduce the risk of AIS intrusion in Square Lake, please be encouraged to:
Participate in our Water Steward Program - by contacting Lynn Mecum, Project Leader.
Help us lobby and fundraise for an AIS Wash Station at the Square Lake Park
boat launch - by contacting Jim Seidl, Project Leader, and donating to our Square Lake Conservation Fund.
Minnesota Lake and Rivers Advocates will be hosting a future webinar focused more on proactive prevention, on a date TBD. This would be another valuable webinar for Square Lake Association members to attend. As soon as the date is announced, we'll alert you.
Finally, please be mindful that:
Proactive AIS prevention is much less costly than post-intrusion chemical remedies.
Your rising property values continue to reflect our success with AIS prevention on Square Lake.
To better understand the proactive AIS management outcomes we're pursuing, please take a walk or drive around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. The disgusting odor, and visual degradation of the lake water - a direct result of very poor AIS and run-off management - will hopefully motivate more of you to actively engage with us on proactive Water Steward and AIS Prevention education and management.
Square Lake water quality depends on you.
For additional information, or if you have questions, please contact Jane Krentz, Lynn Mecum, Jim Seidl, or me.
Thanks for helping us further Protect & Preserve Square Lake.