1 week Ago By Karl Koenig
DETROIT LAKES — My name is Karl Koenig, the aquatic invasive species coordinator with Becker Soil and Water Conservation District. I grew up on Buffalo Lake and developed a love for boating and angling at a young age. After graduating from the University of Montana, I completed a term of service with the Montana Conservation Corps and worked at a freshwater taxonomy lab.
ADVERTISEMENT In 2012, my wife and I moved to Detroit Lakes, where I took a seasonal watercraft inspector position with the Minnesota DNR. In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law providing Minnesota counties with funding for aquatic invasive species prevention activities. Becker Soil and Water agreed to manage these funds and use them to hire an individual to coordinate an aquatic invasive species prevention program.
I was fortunate to be selected for this position. Since 2015, we have provided watercraft inspection and decontamination services, aquatic plant surveys and management, and a range of educational programs. We work with specialized contractors, staff, and volunteers to monitor public access sites for new invasive species.
Early detection of invasive aquatic plants allows for quick response, which can keep these harmful plants from spreading. Monitoring for invasive plants has been a valuable effort in other Minnesota counties, where small areas of starry stonewort are managed by hand-pulling. This work can reduce problems associated with invasive plants and limit the expense and concern associated with herbicide treatments.
A small grant program is offered to assist local organizations that manage established invasive plants like curly-leaf pondweed and flowering rush. I am grateful to have many generous and helpful partners across the county as lake associations, townships, and other individuals provide funding and labor to help protect and enhance the lakes we all enjoy. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the Soil and Water Conservation District if you have questions related to aquatic invasive species.
We can provide resources and assistance to boaters, property owners, waterfront businesses, and visitors..
