Many Minnesotans don’t value aquatic plants. The state’s lakes are paying a price.

Minnesotans love their lakes, but many treat native aquatic plants as "weeds" to be cleared away. An informative new piece from MPR News explores how pulling up these plants disrupts vital ecosystems, accelerates shoreline erosion, and leaves lakes vulnerable to aggressive invasive species. Scientists and tribal researchers are now urging a shift in perspective to protect our underwater forests before it's too late.🌊

Read the full story here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/09/14/many-minnesotans-dont-value-aquatic-plants-the-states-lakes-are-paying-a-price