Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

Treatment for invasive plants Starry Stonewort and Eurasian Milfoil began this week at the Starbuck Marina.

The Minnewaska Lake Association (MLA) members and Starbuck Mayor Gary Swenson were on hand Monday morning as the treating got underway at the Starbuck Marina.

The City of Starbuck contracted with TIGRIS Aquatic Services, LLC to develop a 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan to manage the Starry Stonewort (SSW) and Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) presence in the Starbuck Marina on Lake Minnewaska.

According to a letter sent to those who have boats and/or pontoons in the Starbuck Marina, TIGRIS Aquatic Services, LLC, will be applying aquatic herbicides and algaecides to the Starbuck Marina, targeting both Starry Stonewort and Eurasian Watermilfoil. The TIGRIS Technical team was  scheduled to be on-site to chemically treat the Starbuck Marina on Monday, July 15 for both Eurasian Milfoil and Starry Stonewort.  The company will also be treating EWM in Lake Minnewaska, according to MLA President Mike Stai.

Portions of the Starbuck Marina may be closed periodically to allow TIGRIS to complete the treatments as efficiently as possible, it was stated in the letter.   Marina slip holders can contact the Starbuck City Office at 320-239-2525 with any questions or visit the City website at www.starbuckcitygov.com for additional information and any scheduling updates as they become available, it was stated.