Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that hurts water quality. It is critical that unwanted aquarium fish and plants are never dumped into lakes, creeks, or ponds. Goldfish have been popping up in lakes and streams across the Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs in recent years. The problem comes from humans releasing […]
To control the spread of invasive Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) along pond and lake shorelines, a tiny and very hungry beetle has been recruited to help. The Galerucella Beetle (Galerucella), discovered by scientists for its exclusive taste for Purple Loosestrife leaves, is a tiny European beetle that has been used as a biological control since […]
Goldfish are a non-native, invasive species that interrupt normal ecosystem processes when they become established in a waterbody. They actively disturb pond bottom sediments in search of food, causing low water clarity. This also makes nutrients like phosphorus available for algae to use, leading to unwanted blooms. It is very important that goldfish are not […]
Have you seen this purple flower before? While Purple Loosestrife may look appealing, it is an invasive plant, causing ecological havoc. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a highly invasive plant that is often found along shorelines. The plant was introduced to the US in the 1800s as an ornamental species native to Europe and Asia. […]
This spring, SWWD is undertaking a project to stabilize the stream channel between the Ravine Lake outlet and Highway 61. This project will address the erosion that this channel has seen over the past decade. The project will: To complete this project, tree clearing is necessary. Tree clearing will occur in February 2026, followed by […]
A new mural has been installed at the Wilmes Lake Alum Treatment Facility in Woodbury, MN. The painting, by local Native artist Nipinet Landsem, is a celebration of the connections between us and our water in mural form. The design features the Mississippi River and St. Croix River, which border the South Washington watershed, colorful […]
SWWD is continuing AIS management in fall 2025 and will be treating several bodies throughout the district for aquatic invasive species (AIS), including Colby Lake, La Lake, and Ravine Lake. Several lakes have extensive infestations of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) and curlyleaf pondweed (CLP). Treatments will be conducted using herbicides to address the infestation. Eurasian Watermilfoil […]
The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) works with its partner cities to identify and develop plans, connect partners, and help secure funding for the restoration and enhancement of natural areas within city open spaces. These activities help to support the SWWD mission of enhancing open spaces to provide habitat, build soil health, create resilient natural […]
Each year in Minnesota, we spread about 445,000 tons of de-icing salts on our roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. These road salts are made of chloride and are the number one cause of chloride pollution in Minnesota waterways and groundwater. But there are ways to prevent further chloride pollution. De-icing with chloride salts is […]
Could harvesting biomass of cattails reduce nutrients and improve water quality in Armstrong Lake? The South Washington Watershed District has launched a pilot program to find out. Cattails are a species staple of Minnesota lakes and ponds. The aquatic plant grows tall and dense, quickly dominating shoreline environments. While cattails may all look the same […]