Macrophyte (Aquatic Plant) Surveys

Lakes need high-quality macrophyte populations in order to use up nutrients within the water for their growth. When macrophytes use these nutrients, lakes are cleaner and healthier because algae cannot readily use the nutrients.

In addition to in-lake water quality sampling, macrophyte surveys are important to understanding the ecology of a lake and also allow staff to identify any invasive species of macrophytes such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly Leaf Pondweed. Invasive species tend to overpopulate water resources, out-compete native species, die back early and release nutrients, and in-turn create poor aesthetics.

Links

Minnesota DNR Division of Ecological Services

Additional Macrophyte and Invasive Aquatic Plant Identification Links