starry stonewort – East Metro Water

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From watercraft inspections to loosestrife-eating beetles – lake managers discuss strategies for battling aquatic invaders

By: angiehongmn October 14, 2026October 14, 2026

Aquatic Biology, Partners and UpdatesAquatic Invasive Species, Eurasian watermilfoil, featured, Minnesota lakes, purple loosestrife, spiny waterflea, starry stonewort, volunteers, Washington Conservation District, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

Many AIS experts note that Minnesota’s county-led programs have “bent the curve” for aquatic invasive species. Prior to 2015, the rate of infestations was growing rapidly, with as many as 170 new lakes being impacted every year. After counties rolled out their prevention efforts, that rate began to fall and we are now seeing closer to 40 new infestations each year.

Zebra mussels and starry stonewort spread to more Minnesota lakes

By: angiehongmn August 29, 2025August 28, 2025

Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

This summer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reported new infestations of aquatic invasive species – zebra mussels and starry stonewort – at a dozen lakes across the state. The discoveries underscore the inherent challenge of protecting Minnesota waterways in a state with more than 11,000 lakes, thousands of natural and manmade connections, and countless ways to access the water from public and private lands.

Keeping invaders out of Minnesota waters

By: angiehongmn May 24, 2025May 20, 2025

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, Minnesota lakes, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

In 2024, Minnesota deployed more than 800 watercraft inspectors to public boat launches around the state to help staunch the spread of zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, and other aquatic invaders. The goal? Preserve Minnesota’s famed “good life” and protect fishing, tourism, and cultural mainstays such as wild ricing and “up north at the cabin.”

One reason for optimism is that we are seeing fewer new infestations and better compliance with state laws for watercraft cleaning and inspections.

Unfortunately, however, the DNR still reported 41 new AIS infestations in Minnesota lakes and rivers last year.

Volunteer to protect Minnesota lakes from aquatic invasive species

By: angiehongmn July 20, 2022

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, lakes, Minnesota lakes, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

During Starry Trek, scheduled this year for Aug. 20, volunteers gather at training sites to learn how to identify starry stonewort and then head out to local water accesses to search for signs of the invasive species.