EWM treatments are planned on Duck, Mitchell, and Staring Lakes the week of July 13, 2026.

RPBCWD staff recently completed delineation surveys for Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) on selected lakes within the watershed district. The purpose of these surveys is to monitor native and non-native plant populations to inform decisions about aquatic plant management for lake health.  EWM is one of the most problematic aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the District. The District uses herbicide treatments to control EWM to a level that allows native plant populations to increase. The abundance of EWM on Duck, Mitchell, and Staring lakes was high enough to warrant herbicide treatment. 

The size of treatment areas is limited by the MN DNR and will be located in the areas of highest EWM density. Exact timing of treatments is determined the day before based on predicted weather conditions and contractor availability. Updates on timing will be posted at rpbcwd.org/AIS-control.

Postcards have been mailed to residents immediately adjacent to treatment areas. If your shoreline area is within 150 feet of a Eurasian Watermilfoil treatment area, and you'd like to opt out of treatment, contact Shauna Capron at scapron@rpbcwd.org or 612-791-9085. Click on a map below to see where treatments will be taking place:

Duck Lake Treatment MapMitchell Lake Treatment MapStaring Lake Treatment Map

Water Use Restrictions

In addition to treatment locations, there are water use restrictions to be aware of post-treatment. 

Duck, Mitchell, and Staring lakes will undergo a ProcellaCOR treatment. After a treatment, the Minnesota DNR recommends not using the water for irrigation for 5 days following treatment. There are no restrictions related to swimming and drinking water. 

Did you know aquatic plants are protected?

Aquatic plants are essential to lake health and their management is regulated by the MN DNR. Learn more about aquatic plant regulations from the DNR ⬈. Also, check out our Aquatic Plant Protection handout ⬈.