Silver Lake Monitoring & Treatment

In the most recent June 2026 survey, 10 locations had a rating of 1 with hybrid milfoil found in Silver Lake. Areas are mainly by the boat launch, fishing pier, cove near the beach, and highway (mainly shallow areas).

• Lake Survey Map

Fluridone concentration was measured on April 2nd, 2024, and based on the water temperature and weather conditions, and residual concentration post-winter, a second bump treatment was carried out on April 6th, 2024.

After the second bump treatment and fluridone concentration measurement in late April, it was decided a quick survey of plant growth would be useful for determining if another bump treatment would be necessary to support the treatment’s effectiveness. On Friday May 3rd, Paul Kaari (Lake Improvement Consulting), Keegan Lund (SePRO), Amber White (SLIA), and April Londo (MNDNR) conducted a short plant survey to look at growth of Eurasian/Hybrid watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed. During this survey trip, they saw enough surviving plant material and some new growth of Eurasian/hybrid watermilfoil to warrant a third bump treatment, which was conducted on May 8th, 2024.

An initial fluridonetreatment took place on October 2nd, 2023, and was applied directly to the waterbody using underwater application. Following initial Fluridone application, water samples were collected to monitor Fluridone concentration to ensure a sufficient concentration for treatment to be successful. Water samples were collected at two different locations in the waterbody: near the public beach and near the boat launch. Water samples taken approximately 5 days after application showed a successful treatment that dosed the lake within the targeted 2-4 part per billion (ppb) range, with an average lake wide concentration of 2.85 ppb.

Water samples were collected at 14 days and 28 days post-initial fluridone application, and determined an additional, smaller application of fluridone was needed to maintain lake-wide concentrations. This “bump” treatment occurred on November 3rd, 2023, which included another water sample and concentration measurement on November 10th to ensure sufficient concentration for winter.

Individual shoreline treatments were made available to property owners.

• Individual Shoreline Treatment Application Form (Deadline: April 17 at noon)

Individual shoreline treatments were coordinated for property owners.

• Individual Shoreline Treatment Application Form (Deadline: March 22 at noon)

Lakeshore treatment options were provided to property owners.

• Lakeshore Treatment Options

Monitoring for Aquatic Invasive Species this year turned up low counts of Curly Leaf Pond Weed and Eurasian Water Milfoil, so it was determined that no treatments were needed in 2018. Additional native plants were found indicating improvement to the health of Silver Lake.

Lake treatment took place May 15th in the southwest bay of Silver Lake. The treatment helped control Curly-leaf Pondweed, an invasive aquatic plant. A concentration of the invasive plant was found in the southwest bay of the lake. An area of 3.2 acres was treated.

On May 6th, 2016 two small portions of the lake were treated for control of Curly-leaf Pondweed. The two areas were the small bay at the boat launch and the bay in the northwest corner of the lake. Both had significant infestations. The treatment covered a total of 2.6 acres.

In May, the major bay areas of the lake were treated for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. Lake Improvement Consulting served as the treatment contractor.

How will I know when the lake is treated? Bright orange posting notification signs will be placed on the shoreline, and buoys in the treatment areas. The primary restriction is for using the water for drinking purposes — no swimming restrictions per label specifications.

• DNR August Point Intercept Study Results

SLIA successfully received a grant for $1,065 from the DNR to help offset the cost of treating invasive species. The treatment took place the week of July 21st. The treatment areas proposed by SLIA were modified by the DNR after their inspection due to the presence of native water lilies. Lake Improvement Consulting served as the treatment contractor. Total treatment cost: $3,080.

• Treatment Area Map (DNR Approved)

In May, SLIA conducted a center lake treatment targeting Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. The chemicals DMA4 and Aquathol K were used. Land owners wanting to pursue individual shoreline treatment were allowed to do so using the DNR permit application form. SLIA did not coordinate a group shoreline treatment in 2013.

Multiple treatments were conducted in 2012. See the summary and plant frequency documents below.

• Summary of 2012 Treatments
• Silver Lake Plant Frequencies 2010–2012
• April Curlyleaf Pondweed Assessment
• Draft July Point Intercept Report