A public forum is set to be held 6-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regarding a Reeds Lake Association request to manage Eurasian watermilfoil with a whole lake treatment using Sonar (fluridone) herbicide. This treatment, if permitted, is proposed to take place late fall 2025 into spring 2026 in Reeds Lake. The meeting will be held at the Waseca County East Annex Conference Room (300 N. State St. in Waseca).
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering a request for an experimental whole-lake herbicide treatment using the aquatic herbicide fluridone on Reeds Lake in Waseca County," said Todd Kolander, DNR Ecological and Water Resources district manager. "This treatment aims to address the dense growth of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that has become widespread throughout the lake. The goal is to suppress this invasive milfoil while allowing native aquatic plants to recover over time.
Eurasian watermilfoil and its hybrids are invasive aquatic plants that are regulated by the DNR. The species causes ecological harm to lakes by reducing native aquatic plant diversity and impacts to recreation of boating, fishing, and swimming. It was discovered in Reeds Lake in 2014. The meeting is intended to help the public learn more about the topic and provide input on the proposal. DNR Invasive Species Specialist Jeffrey Flory will present on what a whole lake fluridone treatment entails, along with its pros, cons, and risks. Staff from DNR Fisheries will present on the fish community and the data the DNR has on Reeds Lake.
For those who can't make the meeting but would still like to provide feedback on the proposal or ask questions, reach out to DNR Ecological and Water Resources District Manager Todd Kolander at [email protected] or 507-272-2154.