Threats to Dutch Lake

Excessive Phosphorus

While certain levels of Phosphorus are necessary for a healthy lake, too much can cause excessive algea growth. When the algea die and sink to the bottom of the lake, the decay can create a low oxygen environment, which is fatal to fish and other organisms. Phosphorus can be found in things like detergents, fertilizers, manure, decaying plants and human waste. While it can come from runoff, airborne particles, & septic systems, there are also natural sources of phosphorus (decaying plants & animals, eroding rocks and soil, etc). You can help by composting waste instead of using a garbage disposal, as keeping food out of wastewater treatment plants can help reduce the nutrient loadings into the lakes. Use phosphorus-free fertilizers on your lawn and garden, and only use them when it is not raining. Make sure your septic system is properly used and maintained.

Zebra Mussels

We are very fortunate that our lake is not (yet) affected by Zebra mussels, and we want to keep it that way! Zebra mussels filter plankton from the surrounding water, causing water clarity, which in turn causes more aquatic vegetation to grow at deeper depths and more dense stands. High numbers of zebra mussels can impact the food chain, reducing food for larval fish. Zebra mussels can also cause problems for lakeshore residents and recreationists. Those who take lake water to water lawns can have their intakes clogged. They can also attach to motors, can cause cuts and scrapes on rocks, swim rafts and ladders, and can cut anglers' fishing lines. You can help by removing visible zebra mussels before transporting boats and equipment from one lake to another. You can also become a volunteer zebra mussel monitor. Click here for more information from the DNR about zebra mussels.

Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife invades marshes and lakeshores, replacing cattails and other wetland plants.The plant can form dense,impenetrable stands which are unsuitable as cover, food, or nesting sites for a wide range of native wetland animals including ducks, geese, rails, bitterns, muskrats, frogs, toads and turtles. Many rare and engangered wetland plants and animals are also at risk. This plant is spread through seeds escaping from gardens and nurseries into wetlands, lakes and rivers. . Once in the water, seeds are easily spread by moving water and wetland animals. It is listed as a MDA prohibited noxious weed and is illegal to possess, plant, transport or sell in Minnesota. Click here to learn more about purple loosestrife from the DNR.

Curly Leaf Pondweed

Curly Leaf Pondweed grows from shore to depths of up to 15 feet. Like Eurasian Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed is not native to the United States and can cause problems due to excessive growth. Click here to learn more about curly leaf pondweed from the DNR.

Common Carp

Common carp are one of the most damaging aquatic invasive species due to its wide distribution & severe impacts in shallow lakes & wetlands. Their feeding disrupts shallowly rooted plants, muddying the water. They release phosphorus, which increases algea abundance. Declines in water quality caused by carp also causes a decline in the aquatic plants needed by waterfowl and fish. Click here for more information on Common Carp from the DNR.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Typically has 12-21 pairs of leaflets. Northern watermilfoil, with which it is often confused, usually has 5-9 pairs. A key factor in the plant's success is it's ability to reproduce through stem fragmentation and runners. A single stem and leaves can take root and form a new colony. Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake. Click here for more information on Eurasian Watermilfoil from the DNR.