(starry stonewort – image: Minnesota DNR)
The Minnesota DNR says it has confirmed the presence of the invasive algae – starry stonewort in Buffalo Lake.
DNR officials say that city staff in Buffalo contacted the DNR after a contractor found suspected starry stonewort near the south public access on Buffalo Lake. A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed what they described as “sparse densities” of the invasive algae near the south access, though officials say starry stonewort was not immediately observed in other areas of the lake. The DNR says it will conduct a more extensive search of the lake, and will work with local entities to assess potential management options.
Starry stonewort is commonly identified by the star-shaped white bulb-like structures on the plant for which it is named.
Since it was first found in Minnesota in 2015, starry stonewort has been confirmed in 38 bodies of water in the state. The algae can form dense mats which can interfere with recreational uses of a lake, and compete with native plants. Starry stonewort typically spreads when fragments have not been properly cleaned from water-related equipment.
