Did You Know? #2

Aquatic plants are a necessary part of any lake community and they benefit every lake organism there is, including the lake owner and the people who use the lake. Some lake owners feel that aquatic plants are troublesome and unsightly. Yet without these aquatic plants our lakes would no longer be healthy – they would be ‘dead seas’.

Did you know that there are basically four categories of aquatic plants in our area?

1. Submerged Plants: grow underwater. They have leaves and stems entirely under water, although some also have floating leaves. Pondweeds and coontail are the more popular submerged plants. Some of the exotic species are Eurasian water milfoil and Curleyleaf pondweed.
2. Floating-leaf plants have leaves and flowers that float on the surface of the lake, but are rooted in the lake bottom. Water lilies are the most common type in this area.
3. Emergent plants are also rooted on the lake bottom, but their leaves and stems extend out of the water. Bulrush and cattails are the type of emergent plant that most people are familiar with.
4. Algae range from tiny one-celled organisms to large multi-celled plant-like organisms. They have no stems, leaves or roots. Many algae float free and when present in large numbers makes the water appear green. Not all algae are bad. Green algae are typical in the early season and blue-green may dominant when the water is warmer, e.g.: in August.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an “Aquatic Plant Management Program” in place, recognizing the fact that some aquatic plants can be a nuisance. Before removing or treating aquatic vegetation, be sure you understand the rules concerning these activities. If you have any question concerning aquatic removal contact the DNR at Little Falls (320)-616-2496.