24/7 Free-to-Use Boat Cleaning Systems
Since its discovery in 2015, starry stonewort has spread to 31 lakes in Minnesota. To help contain it, the Stop Starry Program has installed 30 solar-powered, waterless CD3 stations that provide 24/7 access across 21 waterbodies.
These stations use high-pressure air and vacuum tools—proven to remove 95% of AIS surrogates from boats and gear in just 7 minutes. CD3 Quick Start Guide can show you the steps to STOP THE SPREAD of this aggressive aquatic hitchhiker.
Find a CD3 Near You
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.
Starry stonewort thrives in waters up to 25 feet deep, often appearing around high-traffic boating areas. Its dense mats can entangle props and disrupt recreational activities 
As a macroalgae, starry stonewort is resistant to traditional control methods and can be costly to manage—up to $170,000 annually for just one lake. 
In North America, only male starry stonewort has been found, meaning it spreads solely through transport of small plant fragments and star-shaped bulbils. This highlights the urgent need for stringent measures to prevent their movement and control its spread effectively.
Effective management of starry stonewort relies on prevention through containment, vigilant monitoring, and rapid response. By focusing on these best practices, we can minimize the spread ensuring timely action and effective control measures.
Civic Partnerships Are Key to Prevention
MLR works with lake associations, county officials, and government agencies through a discussion-based civic organizing process to address Starry Stonewort. We seek effective solutions and prevention strategies by engaging with affected communities. If you’re a concerned citizen or lake association member, contact our Director at jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org to volunteer and learn how you can help stop Starry Stonewort.
Resources:
New Infestation Response Plans
AIS Explorer – Track the Spread and Risk of Your Lake
Check your lake’s starry stonewort risk
Webinars and Videos:
Research
- 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.
Interested in learning how to secure a CD3 watercraft cleaning station for your local area?
Reach out to us with your lake information and access sites (you can use LakeFinder)
Jeff Forester>jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Sami Selter>sami@mnlakesandrivers.org