7/17/2020
I’ve had introductory electronic meetings with three Minnesota organizations that have a focus on Aquatic Invasive Species (“AIS”). I am the new Melissa Sallie Lake Association AIS Coordinator; I wanted to know how these organizations identify and mitigate the AIS threat to our lakes.
I spoke with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the U of M (“MAISRC”). They are backed by funding from the MN Legislature until 2023. We have contributed $2,000 to this organization. My impression is that our local response to AIS depends on significant amounts of statewide funding for science based solutions. Future funding is stalled for next appropriations ending in 2025.
Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District (“ SWCD”). Their mission is to satisfy conservation of soils and water in the district. A 2014 tax bill authorizes annual funding (roughly $375k) to administer AIS activities. This is the organization that we see doing inspections and decontamination at our launch sites. Among other activities, they promote a law requiring docks, lifts and other equipment to wait 21 days out of the water before transfer to another lake.
Pelican River Watershed District (“PRWD”) through taxing (and grants) and regulatory authority manages the district’s water quality. PRWD monitors our lake conditions and publishes Lake Reports that we distribute to our membership. Over the years PRWD has conducted mechanical and chemical treatments for Curley Leaf Pondweed and Flowering Rush (Lake Sallie was chemically treated on July 7/Lake Melissa treatment not necessary this year). The old mechanical harvester method has all been curtailed in favor of successful periodic chemical treatments. PRWD has recently published an AIS Readiness Response Plan for three AIS threats; Starry Stonewort, Hybrid Watermilfoil and Hydrilla and have received MN DNR support for mitigation efforts outlined in the plan, if these threats find their way into the district.
Our conversations were free-wheeling with no stated agenda. I will bullet point the notable discussion items.
. I sent MAISRC the Melissa and Sallie Lake Reports. Their impression from our reports was that we seemed to be in reasonably good shape.
. Zebra Mussels (“ZM’) were discussed at some length. We are probably in the” Lag Phase” of development and we should not count on this phase as static. It’s likely that our situation will change. Interestingly, water clarity might improve in the Lag Phase, however, longer term, this clarity invites better sunlight and therefore more plant growth.
. Ballast tanks and engine water from modern boats are a concern for ZM. Hot water at 140 degrees works on exterior surfaces. Also chlorine and other products work. I asked if they could offer solutions for ballast tank and engine water transmission. MAISRC will look into it.
. Copper Sulfate is under a ZM research study on Lake Minnetonka. The last application was done in 2019 on a bay and results measured. Another bay acts as a placebo. So far, they have found promising results with 0 to 5% ZM survival. Importantly, other lake life doesn’t seem to be disturbed. It is not clear to me, however, how widespread use will be on our lakes… costs and other issues might complicate things.
. A potential “Silver Bullet” for ZM is genome research with targeted solutions for containing the ZM. They have advanced ZM genome mapping but my impression is that there is more to go.
. Starry Stonewart is a plant that causes major infestations and is a significant threat. The first MN discovery was in Lake Koronis, located south of St. Cloud, MN. A few other lakes have had it but with early detection; a mechanical process such as pulling the plants out of the water (divers and boats) works.
. We have a local activity, called Starry Trek, that enlists and trains local volunteers to identify the plant, hopefully in early stage. It is scheduled this year for August. We need volunteers.
. Carp is another threat. We all have seen videos of carp flying out of the water. They are on our radar but no sign of them yet. Bucks Mill serves as somewhat of a safety net for downstream activity and very little upstream activity, to date. One comment: we have generally shallow waters and that carp eggs are easily eaten by other species.
. Algae Bloom seems to be more than normal… Green, blue/green and sometimes pasty. More than normal snail development too.
Gordy Knudsvig
AIS Coordinator
