Aquatic Weed Treatment From Lake Restoration Begins on Lake Minnewaska

Recently Lake Restoration was brought in by the Minnewaska Lake Association (MLA) to treat a serious infestation of Eurasian Watermilfoil. The first aquatic weed treatment covered 15 acres of the nearly 130 of acres that are infested with the invasive plant. These acres exist in 6 pockets across the lake’s total 7,100 acres. The goal is, of course, complete removal of Eurasian Watermilfoil, however realistically speaking the MLA said they would be happy to simply control and halt the spread of the plant.

Lake Restoration treated the aquatic weeds last week with the herbicide DMA-4. It will kill the entire plant including the roots and is known to leave most native plants unharmed. Many Minnesota lakes have been treated by the company with the same herbicide effectively and safely.

The importance of controlling this invasive plant species in Lake Minnewaska cannot be overstated. One of the areas infected is Torgy’s Bay near the DNR landing. The area is perfect for the proliferation of the plant, which likes a muddy bottom in approximately 4 to 12 feet of water. If the milfoil isn’t controlled in Torgy’s Bay quickly it could easily take over the entire area.

The proposed treatment is expected to take 5 years. The DNR has helped by providing a grant in the amount of $1,500 but much more funding is needed and as this project is a top priority, the MLA is seeking donations to allow them to continue with the treatments. Anyone who wants to donate is being told to contact any board member of the MLA or Mike Stai.