LEECH LAKE, Minn. – An invasive weed that can choke out native plants and fish habitat, the starry stonewort, has been found in this popular northwest Minnesota walleye lake. At 103,000 acres, Leech is the largest of 18 lakes in the state to be infested. The starry stonewort is a bright green micro-algae. Earlier the algae was found in nearby Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. Tre lakes are southeast of Bemidji, all areas heavily reliant on tourism and fishing.
What to do
Starry stonewort has never been eradicated from any lake. The Minnesota Natural Resources Department says, however, that early detection can help contain the algae. Recommendations: Clean up docks and shores after gutting fish entrails.
Starry stonewort. Tiny star blossoms belie the damage that the algae causes.