Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 10/17/2016

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Vegetation Management Per Minnesota Law, aquatic plants growing in public waters are actually the property of the state. Any use of algicides or herbicides, or any mechanical control measures that exceed an area 2,500 square feet in size, requires a permit through the Department of Natural Resources. Maintaining a fifteen (15) foot wide channel to access open water is also permissible. While lakeshore owners may attempt to address the aquatic vegetation individually, it may be more beneficial and effective to look at management opportunities cooperatively. Herbicide/Algicide Use Any use of herbicides/algicides (aka chemical control) requires a permit through the Department of Natural Resources. Additional information on the permitting process can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html. Mechanical Control If the area of aquatic vegetation is 2,500 square feet or greater, a permit will be required from the Department of Natural Resources. As most aquatic plants are perennial, simply removing the upper (surface) portion of the plant will not eliminate the plant (e.g. use of a boat propeller to chop up the vegetation is not an effective control strategy and may, depending on the plant species, actually contribute to the spread of aquatic plants). Existing Rules/Regulations A permit IS required for any of the following: • Destruction of any emergent vegetation (e.g. cattails and bulrushes). • Cutting or pulling by hand or by mechanical means, submerged vegetation in an area larger than 2,500 square feet. • Application of any herbicide or algicide. • Use of automated aquatic plant control devices. • Physical removal of floating-leaf vegetation from an area larger than a channel fifteen (15)feet wide extending to open water. A permit is NOT required for the following: • Maintaining up to a fifteen (15)foot wide channel through submerged vegetation (e.g. Elodea) and floating-leaf vegetation (e.g. water lily) via mechanical clearing to open water is allowed with a permit under these conditions: o Must lead to open water. o After first year, the channel continues to be maintained mechanically(cutting or pulling). o Channel remains in the same location from year to year. o Permits are not transferrable. o Cut/pulled aquatic vegetation must be brought to land and properly disposed. If you believe there is an violation occurring, please contact the Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division (1-888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157).