Minnesota DNR Lakeweed Removal Permits: A Complete Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts

Here in Minnesota, lakeweeds can quickly take over the shoreline at your lakefront property. Before you schedule a lakeweed or aquatic vegetation removal project with Waterfront Restoration, it helps to understand a few key rules set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

This guide walks through which projects may require a DNR permit, which don’t, and how to stay compliant while keeping your lakefront clear and healthy. 

When and Why Does the DNR Regulate Lakeweed Removal in Minnesota?

When you browse our website and service list, you might come across the terms “Lakeweeds” and “Aquatic Weeds.” These words fall under a large umbrella of aquatic plant species that may or may not be subject to removal project permits. Here is a quick breakdown:

“Submerged weeds”

Submerged weeds typically refer to aquatic plants growing primarily under the water. When you feel these weeds under foot while wading and swimming, you may not be able to identify the exact species of aquatic plant you’ve come across. Two of the most common submerged weeds we see in Minnesota are Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly Leaf Pondweed; both are invasive species.

Depending on the size, location, and method of removal, some submerged vegetation can be mechanically cut or pulled without an individual DNR Aquatic Plant Management permit. However, DNR guidelines place limits on how much submerged vegetation can be removed without a permit, so larger removal projects may require DNR approval.

“Emergent weeds”

Emergent vegetation includes aquatic plants that grow above the waterline. Cattails, Wild Rice, and Bulrush are typical emergent vegetation species we see at lakefront properties in Minnesota. Removal or destruction of emergent vegetation is generally subject to DNR permitting, so in this guide, we will aim to clarify the ins and outs of permit Do’s and Don’ts.

Lilypads

This may be the most familiar name on the list! Known for their beautiful flowers (and dense growth pattern), aquatic lilypads are considered floating-leaf vegetation under DNR guidelines. At Waterfront, we perform Lilypad management and removal projects in accordance with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations.

Native, Invasive, Submerged, Emergent, and Floating-Leaf Aquatic Species: What’s the Difference?

Not all weeds are regulated equally. The intermix of protected and non-protected species in Minnesota waters can get tricky. Because submerged, emergent, and floating-leaf aquatic vegetation can each be subject to different removal guidelines, the most important step in planning your removal project is beginning to understand which type of vegetation you have, how much you want removed, and what method will be used.

Submerged Lakeweeds: Some Removal Does Not Require an Individual DNR Permit

Submerged weed species can sometimes be mechanically cut or pulled without an individual DNR Aquatic Plant Management permit. Whether they are invasive species like Curly Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil or native submerged species, the size and scope of the cleanup are important when determining whether a permit is required.

Under DNR guidelines, a property owner can generally mechanically cut or pull submerged vegetation without an individual Aquatic Plant Management permit when the removal is limited to an area no larger than 2,500 square feet and no more than 50 feet along the shoreline or one-half of the property owner’s shoreline frontage, whichever is less. Included in these guidelines is the ability to clear an area of emergent vegetation up to 15 ft wide to create a channel to open water. Additional restrictions and requirements may apply depending on the lake, vegetation, and removal method.

Aquatic plants that are cut or pulled must also be removed from the water and disposed of properly on land.

Because Waterfront Restoration performs mechanical aquatic plant control for hire, our work is also performed under the applicable DNR commercial mechanical control requirements.

If you are planning to schedule a submerged lakeweed removal with Waterfront Restoration, we can help determine the appropriate next steps based on your project size, weed type, and property!

Emergent Vegetation Removal: Always Ask About DNR Permitting

Like we mentioned, these guidelines can get tricky. If you are managing emergent vegetation at your property, such as cattails, bulrush, or wild rice, you should always review DNR permitting requirements before beginning removal. Destruction or removal of emergent aquatic vegetation generally requires a DNR Aquatic Plant Management permit.

Emergent vegetation plays an important role in Minnesota lake ecosystems, including providing habitat and helping protect shorelines from wave action and erosion.

For property owners dealing with thick areas of emergent vegetation that obstruct access to open water, the DNR may authorize an access channel through an Aquatic Plant Management permit. Under certain conditions, a permitted access channel through emergent vegetation may be no wider than 15 feet, follow the most direct route to open water, remain in the same location from year to year, and be maintained mechanically after the first year.

It is important to remember that this is different from the permit-free 15-foot channel allowed in certain floating-leaf vegetation. A 15-foot channel through emergent vegetation should not be assumed to be permit-free.

At Waterfront Restoration, we can help with the permitting process for projects requiring DNR approval, including communication regarding project details and applicable permitting requirements. During your consultation for emergent vegetation management, your Waterfront Restoration Sales Representative will detail a full outline for permit application and project details.

Lilypad Removal in Minnesota: Different Rules Apply

Lilypads are considered floating-leaf vegetation under DNR guidelines, meaning their permit requirements are slightly different from emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush.

In certain situations, a property owner may mechanically maintain a channel through floating-leaf vegetation, such as water lilies, without an individual Aquatic Plant Management permit. Under DNR guidelines, this channel may generally be up to 15 feet wide and extend from shore to open water.

Removal beyond the allowable channel or other management of floating-leaf vegetation may require DNR approval.

These guidelines are important in protecting the presence of native species in Minnesota lakes. In addition to reducing wave impact, Lilypads provide a natural habitat for many of our native wildlife and fish species.

Waterfront Restoration can help you manage large, overwhelming patches of lilies, while retaining the natural ecosystem that exists at your lakefront. Be sure to contact us to learn more about lilypad management and permit requirements when scheduling.

Don’t Dredge Muck From Your Lakebed for Aquatic Plant Control

Lakebed muck buildup is a common issue for waterfront properties in Minnesota. It can appear effective to remove muck mechanically; however, physically altering the lake bottom is regulated differently than simply cutting or pulling aquatic vegetation.

DNR aquatic plant management regulations prohibit excavating the lake bottom for aquatic plant control and prohibit using hydraulic jets to control aquatic plants or remove muck. Hydraulic jets can disturb sediment, increase turbidity, uproot aquatic plants, and negatively impact aquatic habitat.

Lake-bottom excavation or dredging can also fall under separate Public Waters Work Permit requirements, depending on the activity and location. Because of this, property owners should never assume that lake-bottom excavation is covered under the same rules as aquatic vegetation removal.

Muck can be one of the most frustrating issues to deal with as a lake homeowner, but there are multiple noninvasive methods to manage it. Take a look at our previous blog post to learn more about how Waterfront Restoration can help you manage muck well within DNR guidelines.

Schedule DNR Permitted Lake Projects Sooner Rather Than Later

Although Waterfront Restoration can help with the permitting process, one thing to keep an eye on is the timeline of your permitted project. Permit processing times can vary depending on your location, project, time of year, and DNR review requirements.

Because of these variances, it is important to evaluate your project plans far ahead of the date you plan to have your removal project completed. To help keep your permit timeline on track, allocate ample time for any required project site review and permit approval by the DNR.

Additionally, it is important to remember that not every Aquatic Plant Management permit automatically remains active from year to year. Generally, an Aquatic Plant Management permit is valid for the growing season and expires December 31 of the year it was issued unless the permit specifies otherwise or qualifies for a continuing-duration provision.

Certain permitted channels through emergent vegetation may qualify for continuing authorization when specific DNR requirements are met. For other projects, additional permitting or authorization may be necessary in future seasons.

When you need another emergent vegetation or lilypad management project completed by Waterfront Restoration, our team can help you determine what permitting steps may be required before more work is done.

Don’t Perform Lakeweed Removal Without Required DNR Approval

If you think your lakeweed or muck removal project may require a DNR permit, always review the updated rules & regulations regarding permitting requirements before beginning work. Violating aquatic plant management requirements can result in enforcement action, orders to stop or restore affected vegetation, penalties, and misdemeanor consequences in certain circumstances.

Abiding by DNR guidelines is key to protecting your shoreline and surrounding lake ecosystems in our state. With the team at Waterfront Restoration helping you navigate the permitting process for your project, managing lilypads, emergent vegetation, and submerged lakeweeds at your property becomes that much easier.

Have DNR Permit Questions? Ask Waterfront Restoration

Waterfront Restoration is always here to answer any inquiries you have regarding permit guidelines and removal of aquatic plant species. As a Minnesota-based lakeweed removal company, we work to ensure our practices comply with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements and promote healthy lake ecosystems.

Reach out to our team before you get started, and we will help you plan a project that keeps your Minnesota lakefront beautiful and your permits in order!

References

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant management program. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant management permits. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant regulations. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant types and permit requirements. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant control. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Aquatic plant management FAQ. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Guide to aquatic plants. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Permits to control aquatic plants. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Public waters work permit requirements. Minnesota DNR(opens in new tab)