KLA New letter AIS Information – April 2017
2016 Year End Report
Starry Stonewort Pilot and Management for MN Lakes
Summary:
Pilot project work, verification, and results were completed in fall of 2016 as planned. Initial start of project was not as planned due to growth characteristics of Starry Stonewort. We needed to delay the start of the pilot until the algae was high enough off the bottom to mechanically remove. Initial results were promising with over 250,000 lbs. of Starry Stonewort biomass being removed by mechanical and hand removal. Chemical treatments were very effective in continuing to reduce the biomass of the Starry Stonewort with the most dramatic results in the area both pulled and chemically treated. Only one chemical treatment was written into the pilot, with the consultant’s recommendation, the pilot was modified to utilize two different forms of the chemical, liquid and granular, to achieve better results. Following each chemical treatment we observed increased production of the bulbils (stars) in those areas chemically treated. (No data indicated that chemical treatment was the cause of this increase.) This was a new observed phenomenon according to the consultant.
The third party evaluation and testing was performed after each step in the process and has been reviewed by our evaluators.
The University of Minnesota sampled bulbils following all of the pilot activities that were completed. Initial laboratory testing demonstrated that bulbils remained viable even after two chemical treatments. Next year’s verification surveys will be critical to determining what happens in actual lake situations.
The mechanical puller equipment was evaluated as part of the pilot. It was found to be very effective in shallow areas, but not as effective in deeper areas as claimed by the manufacturer. It also may have limitations due to its width to effectively manage large areas.
It was determined that either mechanical pulling, or mechanically pulling with chemical treatment, or just chemical treatment can effectively manage for short terms (until more information is known next year) small areas of Starry Stonewort infestation below a nuisance level.
2017 Lake Koronis Starry Stonewort Strategy
In keeping within the Pilot Project Strategy as submitted to the Initiative Foundation in 2016, we will be adapting the pilot project for 2017. These adaptations are based on the year-end third party audit observations and the MAISRC laboratory findings.
· As originally planned, in early spring we will perform a third party verification to observe the status of the Starry Stonewort growth over the winter. Bulbil density (count) is now a new metric.
· We modified our plan to re-apply Cutrine plus-granular to the full 6 acre plot once Starry Stonewort bulbil growth has been observed.
· We modified the frequency for assessing the impact of this treatment and may treat again if bulbil growth is verified. We anticipate a 5 week cycle.
· We modified the original plan to demonstrate short-term repeatability in 2017. As early as possible in 2017, we will repeat our 2016 processes in a different, but similarly sized area using mechanical pulling followed by two chemical treatments and as in 2016 an adjacent similar sized area with two chemical treatments without mechanical pulling.
· As originally planned, verifications will continue throughout the boating season.
· As originally planned, the Pilot Project will move into Phase II in 2018 (or late 2017).
To ensure we are managing the bulbil re-growth, we could consider using peroxide-based material on half of the 2016 mechanically pulled area. More discussion needs to occur with advisors before that would be decided.
East Bay Channel Update
Again year KLA will work with the Stearns County Water Patrol to create a boat channel from the 55 access out into the lake. Last year we found it very successful in directing the boats through the heavily infested Starry Stonewort area. Thanks to a grant from the Stearns County AIS funds we will also be mechanically pulling the Starry Stonewort in this area to reduce the amount that gets chopped up and spread around the lake. We ask that boaters stay within the channel as they enter into the lake and maintain a low speed level to avoid stirring the bottom in this area as it releases mud and phosphorous into the lake. (See included picture.)
Lake Koronis Stars in AIS Video at Last Year’s Statewide
AIS Conference in St. Cloud
Attached is a link to the U-tube video that was shown at a statewide AIS conference held at the end of 2016 in St. Cloud Minnesota. It is very unfortunate that we were one of the “stars” in the opening to the conference. We clearly aren’t the LUCKY ONES with the Starry Stonewort problem we now have in the lake. Maybe this video will help to demonstrate just how serious a problem we have in the lake. We predict that eventually this invasive species may impact tourism in the community, property values around the lake, and taxes for everyone in the Paynesville area. It will be important that we all work together to manage the spread from Koronis (and now Rice) Lakes to other lakes in the state, manage the issue within the lake, and prevent new invasive species from coming into the lake. We don’t want to be the spreader lake within Minnesota.
Aquatic Invasive Species - Above and Below the Waterline
Last year Dr. John Rodgers from Clemson University came to Paynesville to educate us on Starry Stonewort. We anticipate he will be back for another session only this time in St. Cloud. Save the date of April 22. More information will be in the Paynesville Press.
2017 Koronis and Watershed Inspections
This year we will be continuing the boat inspection program for Lake Koronis and the remainder of the watershed with the help of our partners. We will continue our focus on PREVENTION of incoming Aquatic Invasive Species, however, we will put an equal effort on the CONTAINMENT of Starry Stonewort by giving priority to outgoing transient boats. Again this year the inspection program will be managed by The North Fork Crow River Watershed. They have contracted with the LAMB organization here in Paynesville to manage the inspection program at the launches throughout the watershed, including Lake Koronis. We are still waiting to see what MN DNR will commit in their efforts to fight the spread of Starry Stonewort in the state as well as other aquatic invasive species. We must continue to be diligent in containing Starry Stonewort and NOT be the source of infestation to the other lakes in the state. This past year we found that we were just as busy with transient boaters and fishing tournaments as other years. It is unfortunate that all of these people think that they WON’T be the one that transfers the aquatic invasive species to another lake. Everyone needs to think that they COULD be the one and need to change their behavior accordingly. They need to be more cautious than they ever have been in the past.
On Lake Koronis we are hoping to have over 4000 hours of inspection. On Rice Lake we are hoping to have 2500 hours at the launches. We would like to have then in place dawn to dusk, but budget prevents us from doing that. When you see an inspector, please thank them for helping to protect Lake Koronis and all the lakes in the state.
Thanks to our partners that help to make this program the best that it can.
North Fork Crow River Watershed District
Stearns County AIS Funding
Paynesville Township
Meeker County AIS Funding
City of Paynesville
Union Grove Township
And of course Koronis Lake Association special donners and membership
Thanks also to LAMB and their staff and crew for doing a great job last year.
Lake Service Providers (LSP)
The last two years we have had articles on Lake Service Providers. Rather than repeat what we have stated the last two years, we want to remind you:
· LSP’s that go lake to lake are higher risk than locals LSP’s that only stay on one lake.
· A LSP must do all the cleaning, decontamination that a transient boat must do – to the max, because of the type of equipment the use and how they use it.
· They must have a DNR permit to be an LSP.
· They have to have special training to be an LSP but that doesn’t guarantee that they will be careful to avoid the spread of aquatic invasive species.
· Ask them questions about their precautions for spreading AIS before you hire them, don’t waste their time and wait until they come out and then you reject their business. If you don’t get the right answers, find someone else.