This fall, the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association (SRCLA) completed targeted invasive milfoil treatments across 25.4 acres on five lakes, marking another important step in protecting our lakes and preserving recreational opportunities.
🔎 From Science to Action
In August, Endangered Resource Services (ERS) conducted detailed surveys to map invasive milfoil throughout the Chain. Using these findings, SRCLA's AIS Committee worked with AKA Collaborative to prioritize areas based on infestation severity, potential for spread, lake connectivity, previous management efforts, available funding, and permitting limitations. Some identified treatment areas were deferred to 2027 due to annual treatment acreage restrictions.
🌱 Targeted Fall Treatments | October 5–6
Professional applicators AquaTerra Solutions (ATS) and Professional Lake & Land Management (PLM) completed treatments using ProcellaCOR EC, a selective herbicide that has demonstrated successful, multi-year control of invasive milfoil on the Chain.
At the targeted application rates, ProcellaCOR has proven highly effective against invasive milfoil while preserving desirable native aquatic vegetation. This ability to achieve lasting control without requiring annual retreatment makes it a valuable tool in SRCLA's long-term management strategy.
2026 Treatment Areas:
Cedar Island Lake — 7.4 acres (ATS)
Great Northern Lake — 9.7 acres (PLM)
Horseshoe Lake — 5.8 acres (ATS)
Long Lake — 1.7 acres (ATS)
Zumwalde Lake — 0.8 acres (PLM)
📊 What's Next?
In 2027, follow-up surveys will evaluate treatment effectiveness and native vegetation response. Building on the success of previous treatments and the potential for sustained, multi-year control, invasive milfoil management will remain a priority in 2027, with additional areas considered for targeted treatment.
🤝 A Collaborative Effort
This work was made possible through the combined efforts of SRCLA, AKA Collaborative, Endangered Resource Services, AquaTerra Solutions, Professional Lake & Land Management, the Minnesota DNR, and Stearns County.
Special thanks to Stearns County for its $27,589.76 AIS grant, supporting comprehensive aquatic vegetation surveys and invasive milfoil management throughout the Chain.
📄 Want to Learn More?
Interested in the science, treatment plans, and long-term strategy behind these efforts? Explore our technical reports, including the 2026 Invasive Milfoil Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan and 2026 Year in Review & 2027 AIS Management Proposal (Stearns County), available on the SRCLA website.
Together, we're building a more informed, coordinated approach to protecting the Sauk River Chain for generations to come. Stay tuned for the full season wrap up.
