Aug. 21, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Aug. 21, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Starry stonewort confirmed in four Minnesota lakes [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* 13 officers graduate from Conservation Officer Academy, begin field training [ #link_1491411977526 ]

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Starry stonewort confirmed in four Minnesota lakes

Recent search event led to new confirmations
The starry stonewort found in Hubbard County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of the invasive algae starry stonewort in Garfield Lake near Laporte in Hubbard County; Gull Lake one mile west of Tenstrike in Beltrami County; Three Island Lake near Turtle River in Beltrami County; and Two Rivers Lake near Holdingford in Stearns County. 

Starry stonewort was found in these lakes during the recent Starry Trek event in early August, in which county and state staff and volunteers searched lakes for starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species. Starry Trek is an annual statewide volunteer event coordinated by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota.

A Hubbard County environmental specialist found starry stonewort near the public access in Garfield Lake during the Starry Trek event, while event volunteers found starry stonewort at the public accesses of Gull Lake and Three Island Lake. At Two Rivers Lake, DNR invasive species specialists conducted a survey after starry stonewort was reported during the Starry Trek event and found the invasive algae across about one and a half acres of the lake near the public access and adjacent shoreline. At all locations, DNR aquatic invasive species specialists will conduct additional surveys to determine the extent of starry stonewort and will work with local entities at all lakes to assess potential management options.

Starry stonewort is usually identified by the star-shaped white bulb-like structures on the plant for which it is named. These bulbils typically become visible in late summer. People can find more information about how to identify starry stonewort on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/aquaticplants/starrystonewort).

Since it was first found in Minnesota in 2015, starry stonewort has been confirmed in 35 waterbodies in the state. Starry stonewort can form dense mats, which can interfere with recreational uses of a lake and compete with native plants. The algae primarily spreads when fragments have not been properly cleaned from water-related equipment. 

Starry stonewort has never been eradicated from any U.S. lake or river, but treatment or careful removal from waterbodies can help reduce the risk of spread and relieve associated nuisance impacts. Early detection is key to effective management.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one waterbody to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found starry stonewort or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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13 officers graduate from Conservation Officer Academy, begin field training
The class of graduates from the CO Academy

The 13 conservation officer candidates who graduated from the CO Academy at Camp Ripley are pictured here with DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier, and Col. Rodmen Smith.

Thirteen individuals recently graduated from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Officer Academy and have begun patrolling Minnesota’s fields, waters and woods. They spent nearly four months at Camp Ripley immersed in learning all about being successful conservation officers.

Working throughout the state alongside experienced officers – which they’ll do until early December – the new officers already have gained valuable experience during their first week of field training. Among what they’ve done so far: checked anglers, bear baiters, and off-highway vehicle riders; ensured boaters had required safety equipment; assisted in locating individuals stranded on a lake; assisted local police departments, sheriff’s offices and tribal conservation officers; worked in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; helped at firearms safety courses; conducted enforcement around aquatic invasive species; and taken part in community outreach events.

“Our Conservation Officer Academy prepares our new officers extremely well to do everything that’s expected of them, which all revolves around our mission of protecting Minnesota’s people and natural resources,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “It’s an honor to wear the badge and a privilege to serve, and I’m confident each of these officers is up to the task of carrying on the Enforcement Division’s proud, 138-year tradition.”

Minnesota conservation officers are among the most highly trained in the nation, in part due to the academy education they receive before heading afield. At the CO Academy, recruits are trained in all aspects of being a conservation officer and learn from experienced officers and other experts on a wide variety of topics, including education, outreach, fish and wildlife laws, patrol procedures and environmental enforcement. Cadets are tested each week and put through practical scenarios that reflect what they’ll encounter in the field.

Each of the graduates was chosen from among hundreds of applicants and underwent rigorous examinations, psychological profiles and background checks before beginning at the Academy. The DNR anticipates opening its next hiring process for conservation officers in early 2026 and holding a Conservation Officer Academy in late spring/summer of 2027. More information can be found on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/enforcement/careers).

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