Granite Lake Watershed Association
Our Aquatic Invasive Species Guide
Preventing new species from being introduced and controlling those species already in Granite Lake is one of the main focus of the Granite Lake Watershed Association.
Current Aquatic Invasive Species in Granite Lake
Plant Type: Submerged
Status: Widespread throughout Minnesota
Native Look-alike: Northern Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum)
HOW TO ID
• 12-21 pairs of leaflets
• Stems are limp and spaghetti-like
• Stems are reddish brown to pink
Curlyleaf Pondweed
Plant Type: Submerged
Status: Widespread throughout Minnesota
Native Look-alike: Clasping Leaf Pondweed
HOW TO ID
• Leaves are crinkly
• Fine-toothed leaf edges
• Leaf tips are blunt
• Leaf base does not wrap around the stem
• Begins growing in early spring before other plants
and dies back mid-summer
• Forms dense mats
Flowering Rush
Plant Type: Submerged/Emergent
Status: Limited presence in Minnesota
Native Look-alike: Bulrushes, Arrowhead
HOW TO ID
• Very difficult to identify when not flowering
• Grows in shallow water, generally in depths
of 10 feet or less
• Tall, dark green leaves
• Stem is triangular in cross-section
• Cluster of pink flowers is held on a round stalk
Want to help, Donate to our AIS Fund!
Aquatic Plants
Green plants growing in and on the lake convert sunlight and water into oxygen that supports fish (and other lake critters) just as green trees provide oxygen for us. More oxygen in the water also helps to keep Granite’s Water clear.
Please check DNR Permit Information for guidelines on aquatic plant removal (e.g., for boat access and swimming areas) during the “planning stage” and—if needed--get a permit rather than after.
If you find a “new” aquatic plant that you (and your
neighbors, and your wise fisherman uncle) don’t recognize, it may be an AIS that’s new to the lake. Take a picture and—if it’s possible—CAREFULLY cut off a specimen and bag it without releasing any fragments into Granite Lake. If it’s possible check info and pictures on the U of M AIS Guide and open the Aquatic Invasive Plants page. If you have a tentative ID or still don’t know, call Christine Jurek (320-223-7847) OR Emelia Jacobs (320-223-7855) to report and follow their guidance.
PLM has been a great partner for us in treating AIS, and they have also worked individually with many of us to treat our individual lakefronts with positive results. Their contact information is:
https://www.plmcorp.net/product/mnquote/ - direct link to our MN quote page
218.270.3338 – Phone Brainerd office
mnadmin@plmcorp.net – Best email for emailed inquires
