Lake Miltona Association
HOME     CONTACT US     LOST OR FOUND     VOLUNTEER     DONATE     FOR SALE     PHOTO GALLERY

ABOUT THE LAKE       ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION       LAKE MILTONAAGARMENTS GARMENTS
AT WATER'S EDGE       EVENTS & MEETINGS       HERE FISHY FISHY       WATER QUALITY
  PREVENTATIVE
  Action List
  Clean-In Clean-Out
  Inspect Your Craft
  Score Your Shore
  Sandy Beach Runoff Project
   
  INVASIVE PLANTS & ANIMALS
  Milfoil
  Starry Stonewort 
  Zebra Mussels
  Minnesota Handbook
  Water Quality Evaluation Project
   
  SWIMMER'S INFO
  Swimmer's Itch
   
 
 
 
Water Quality - Starry Stonewort
 
Starry Stonewort is a grass-like algae that are not native to North America that can grow tall and dense, forming dense mats on the surface. The plant was first confirmed in Minnesota in late August 2015. In August 2016, Starry Stonewort was confirmed in several north-central Minnesota lakes. This invasive plant can interfere with boating and recreation, and potentially displace native plant species, and impact fish and other animals.
 
Starry Stonewort
 
Boaters, fisherman, and lakeshore owners need to be vigilant in the inspections and cleaning of boat trailers, boats, personal water crafts, docks, and any other items that could contain small fragments of the starry stonewort bulbils.

If you see anything suspicious, you should contact a DNR invasive species specialist. Our local contact is Mark Ranweiler. He can be contacted at 218-739-7576.
 
Starry Stonewort 
How To Identify Starry Stonewort
Starry Stonewort is similar in appearance to native grass-like algae such as other stoneworts and musk-grass. Starry Stonewort can be distinguished from other grass-like algae by the presence of star-shaped bulbils.
 
YouTube 
Invasive Starry Stonewort Identification 
 
YouTube 
Underwater Look at Starry Stonewort
 
YouTube 
Caution! Starry Stonewort and Your Boat 
 
Inspect Your Boat
How It Spreads
Starry Stonewort is believed to be spread from one body of water to another by the unintentional transfer of plant fragments and bulbils, the star-like structures produced by the plant.

These fragments can be transferred on trailered boats, watercraft, docks, boat lifts, anchors, or any other water-related equipment that is not properly cleaned. Inspect  your boat!
 
 
The Lake Miltona Association (LMA) continues to contract with Douglas County for additional inspection hours at our boat launch access sites. The Association urges everyone using the lake to take precautions and steps to prevent further spread of invasive plant species.
 
     
 
 
Identification Images 
Below are images that may help you identify Starry Stonewort. Remember, if you find it, report it. Our local contact is Mark Ranweiler. He can be contacted at 218-739-7576.
 
Starry Stonewort 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hosted @ www.gctel.com
Copyright 2016 Lake Miltona Association
Contact Web Administrator