Starry Stonewort Update
Update - October 7, 2024
DNR AIS Specialists Camden Droppo and Richard Rezanka dove the area on October 3, 2024. The Starry is contained within the original area. No additional outbreaks were found downstream in Rush, Cross, Daggett, or Little Pine.
WAPOA procured four hundred feet of silt fencing barrier from the Ruth Lake Improvement District in Emily. Michael Duncan and Kay Rezanka delivered it to the site Sunday. PLM plans to install the barrier Wednesday, Oct 9th.
Camden and Rich will begin hand pulling of the Starry mid-day Wednesday and continue Thursday, and if necessary, Friday. 6 to 8 volunteers will be needed to assist with the disposal of the Starry. If you would like to help, please contact Tony Coffey at wapoamn@gmail.com. (Please be aware that this will be messy and strenuous work, the bags of Starry weighing approximately 40 lbs. each.)
PLM will do chemical treatment of the area at the completion of the hand pulling. The chemical is based on the recommendation of Dr. Ryan Wersal, University of Minnesota Mankato, AIS treatment specialist and the DNR AIS Specialists. A DNR permit application has been filed and approval is expected early this week.
Current buoys in place will be removed prior to ice in.