2026 Program Update: Aquatic Vegetation Management

This spring, SRCLA continued its commitment to protecting and improving the Sauk River Chain of Lakes through a coordinated aquatic vegetation management program. All of the documentation can be found on the updated Current Projects page.

Using early-season aquatic plant surveys, priority Curlyleaf Pondweed (CLP) infestations were identified and treated with aquatic herbicides across 114.9 acres on Little Cedar Island, East, Knaus, Krays and Zumwalde Lakes. In addition, 45 acres of mechanical harvesting were completed on Becker, Great Northern and Long Lakes to improve navigation and manage localized nuisance aquatic vegetation.

This year’s program reflects a coordinated approach that combines comprehensive aquatic vegetation surveys, targeted management, ongoing monitoring, and long-term planning to support informed decision-making across the Chain.

This work is guided by AKA Collaborative, bringing together a team of experienced partners to support every phase of the program—from aquatic vegetation surveys and treatment planning to pesticide applications, mechanical harvesting and long-term strategy. Thank you to Endangered Resource Services (ERS) for conducting extensive aquatic vegetation surveys and providing the data that guide management decisions, AquaTerra Solutions (ATS) and Professional Lake & Land Management (PLM) for aquatic pesticide applications, and Weeds Up for mechanical harvesting.

In addition to the CLP treatments completed in May, aquatic plant management (APM) permits were approved for navigational access lanes on Great Northern and Cedar Island Lakes. Those treatments were completed by AquaTerra Solutions at the end of June. Additional navigational lanes may be permitted later this summer if nuisance vegetation creates access limitations beyond the 150-foot shoreline zone.

We’re excited to share that preliminary post-treatment survey results show excellent CLP control throughout all treated areas. Additional peak growing season surveys will be conducted in August to evaluate native aquatic plant communities, map invasive milfoil, monitor for emerging aquatic invasive species, and continue guiding future management decisions.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue sharing survey results, treatment maps, field photos, and additional updates highlighting this year’s work. Thank you to everyone who continues to support SRCLA’s efforts to protect and enhance the Sauk River Chain of Lakes!