Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa), an invasive macroalgae native to Europe and Asia, poses a significant threat to Minnesota’s lakes. It is the deepest-growing, control resistant aquatic invasive species in the state. It has the potential to reduce native plant biodiversity, disrupting fish spawning, and invade wild rice beds.
Civic Partnerships are key to prevention MLR works with lake associations, county AIS Coordinators, Tribes, and State Agencies through civic organizing to address Starry Stonewort. Connect with our team to get involved.
24/7 Free-to-Use Boat Cleaning Systems
These stations remove 95% of aquatic plant surrogates from boats and gear in just 7 minutes using vacuums, air-pressure tools, and plug wrenches. The process helps boaters comply with Minnesota invasive species transport laws and stop the spread of starry stonewort and other aquatic hitchhikers. CD3’s Check-In–Check-Out Tool guides users through each step of cleaning.
Find a Stop Starry CD3 Near You
Track Starry Stonewort Spread in MN
Starry Stonewort Webinars and Videos
Research on CD3 Stations
- Natural Resource Research Institute tests techniques to clean boat interiors to stop spread of invasives
- Evaluating boat cleaning station efficacy on the removal of residual water from recreational boats
- A within-lake occupancy model for starry stonewort, Nitellopsis obtusa, to support early detection and monitoring
- Modeling the risk of aquatic species invasion spread through boater movements and river connections
- Construction and Integration of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Areas at Recreational Boating Facilities – States Organization for Boating Access
Funding for the Stop Starry Program comes from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through allocations from the Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund.
