The Free Press
WASECA — Those who live on or near Reeds Lake might be interested in a public forum Monday night hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The Reeds Lake Association submitted a request to the DNR to manage eurasian watermilfoil with a whole lake treatment using sonar (fluridone) herbicide. If permitted, the treatment will take place yet this fall and into spring 2026 in Reeds Lake.
Eurasian watermilfoil and its hybrids are invasive aquatic plants regulated by the DNR. The species causes ecological harm to lakes by reducing native aquatic plant diversity and impacts recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming.
The eurasian watermilfoil was discovered in Reeds Lake in 2014.
The goal is to “suppress this invasive milfoil while allowing native aquatic plants to recover over time,” Todd Kolander, DNR ecological and water resources district manager, stated in a release.
The Oct. 20 forum is intended to help the public learn more about the topic and provide input on the proposal. A DNR specialist will present on what a whole lake fluridone treatment entails, along with its pros, cons and risks, according to the release.
Staff from DNR Fisheries will also give a presentation on the fish community and the data the DNR has on Reeds Lake.
The meeting is 6-7 p.m. at the Waseca County East Annex Conference Room, 300 N. State St., in Waseca.
For those who can’t attend the meeting but want to provide feedback on the proposal or ask questions, contact Kolander at 507-272-2154 or todd.kolander@state.mn.us.