After a decade of treatment, Lake Melissa sees major drop in invasive species

BECKER COUNTY, Minn. — As summer winds down in Minnesota, efforts to control aquatic invasive species remain a focus for lake-goers and environmental officials.

On Lake Melissa in Becker County, the Pelican River Watershed District says it has made big strides in tackling flowering rush, a common invasive plant, after a decade of work.

"We're definitely making a difference," said Shanna Bach of the Pelican River Watershed District.

Treatment of flowering rush began in 2013, when the plant was threatening hundreds of acres on Lake Melissa and Detroit Lakes combined. The invasive species can take over lakes, killing native plants.

This week, the district is treating just 22 acres on Lake Melissa, a major improvement. The treatment uses a chemical called diquat, a herbicide that can be ha