Multiple Invasive Species Found in Anna Lake Near Underwood

Starry Stonewort. (U.S. Geological Survey)

Underwood, MN – Otter Tail County wants residents to know that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has found zebra mussels and starry stonewort in Anna Lake near Underwood.

Starry stonewort is an invasive aquatic alga that can form thick mats that make it hard to swim, fish, and boat. It also crowds out local plants that fish and wildlife need. You can spot it by its white star-shaped parts.

Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, says, “We have watercraft inspectors at public accesses throughout the county, but we can’t be at every access all the time. The public needs to do the right thing about clean, drain, and dry protocols every time they move between waterbodies.”

Since 2015, starry stonewort has been found in 36 lakes and rivers in Minnesota. Starry stonewort has never been completely removed from any lake or river in the U.S. However, McGrew says finding it early helps manage it better, as treatment can help reduce the spread.