Is your shoreline lined with scum, or infested with invasive weeds? Does it affect your ability to enjoy your beach or shallow areas? There are several things that you can do to mitigate invasive species. One of the most effective ways is to have a portion of the shoreline chemically treated every year for invasive species.
What most people don’t know is that you need to start the process for chemically treating your shoreline RIGHT NOW! There are several commercial companies that can do the work for you. They will obtain the correct permits and spray your shoreline with the appropriate herbicide. The Center Lakes Association usually works with a local company, Lakes Management Inc., to treat navigable areas in the lake. They can be reached at: mike@lakemanagementinc.com or 651-433-3283. However, there are other commercial applicators available. Follow this link for a list: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/fisheries/apm/commercial_aquatic_pesticide_applicators.pdf
Unfortunately, the Center Lakes Association has a very limited budget in 2025 with which to treat aquatic invasive species. The MN Department of Natural Resources grant (typically $10,0000 annually) was not awarded to us this year. The Chisago Lakes Improvement District has budget concerns due to weir repair, and will not be able to offer lake associations their usual cost share funding program. That leaves the CLA only about $4,000 of federal grant funding through the ARPA program. In previous years, we have been awarded as much as $38,000 to spend to treat invasive species. Do you have questions on treating your shoreline? Reach out to us at info@centerlakes.org.
