Several residents have raised concern about the increased weed growth in the lake the last few weeks. I have shared these concerns with Jamie Schurbon, Water Specialist, Anoka County Conservation District   Here are his thoughts:

"Need to identify the plant(s) of concern.

o It’s not curly-leaf pondweed, it’s too late for that.

o Is it Eurasian water milfoil? If so, that might speak to the success of treatment this year. Modifications could be made in the future.

o If it’s a native plant, we can communicate more about the plant that it is, and that it is not a species the LGID can reasonably get a permit to treat.

· Yes, high densities of plants can be a nuisance. But they can also be critical for habitat and water quality. A well-rounded, healthy lake needs plants.

· High temps lately have accelerated growth.

· Nutrients from a variety of sources, including shoreland landscaping, will contribute to more growth of algae and plants. Shoreland stewardship is always really important to lake health."

The Minnesota DNR has an end of season point-intercept survey scheduled for the week of August 17th and we hope to have better information and data to share with lakeshore owners after that survey. In the meantime, please send any photos you capture of the aquatic plant life that you find washed up on shore or floating around the lake to help us with identifying the species and aiding in our developing investigation of these concerns.'

The LGID Board of Directors will appreciate any help homeowners can give in identifying the plants of concern and their exact locations. Send your information to Jaiden Edwardson  <edwardson.jaiden@gmail.com> or to my attention  <AgriFolks@gmail.com

We also want to encourage everyone to make shoreland stewardship a priority.