Starry Stonewort in the Whitefish Chain: Why Early Detection Matters for Our Lakes and Property Values
- Shannon Watters
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Shannon Watters of Watters Edge Realty
As an Associate Broker, Realtor®, Master Naturalist, Director with the National Loon Center Foundation and Whitefish Area Property Owners Association. I’m committed to providing my clients with the best real estate knowledge and service to help meet their buying and selling goals as well as equipping them with best stewardship knowledge and community connection to thrive for years to come.
The Whitefish Chain, a beloved destination for generations of cabin owners, boaters, anglers, and nature lovers, is now facing a quiet but serious threat: Starry Stonewort, an aggressive aquatic invasive species (AIS) that has recently been confirmed in Rush Lake, part of the Chain. Its arrival poses a danger not only to lake ecology, but also to our property values and the Northwoods way of life.
What Is Starry Stonewort?
Starry Stonewort is a fast-growing, invasive macroalgae that forms dense, tangled mats underwater—choking out native aquatic plants, degrading fish habitat, and impeding recreation. It spreads quickly by fragmenting and hitching rides on boats, trailers, and gear. Once established, eradication is virtually impossible.
This invasive is already causing major issues in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and other Minnesota lakes, leading to clogged channels, unusable swimming areas, and skyrocketing lake management costs.
Whitefish Chain on Alert
In 2024, Starry Stonewort was confirmed in Rush Lake, sounding the alarm for the entire Whitefish Chain. If it spreads to adjacent lakes, the impact could be devastating. These effects include:
Decline in water clarity and quality
Loss of native fish and plant species
Restricted access for boats, paddlers, and swimmers
Costly mitigation efforts for lake associations and taxpayers
Most significantly, AIS outbreaks are directly linked to decreased lakefront property values. Studies show that lakes infested with invasive species like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Starry Stonewort often see property value drops between 10–20%, depending on severity.
A Community-Based Response: The Early Detector Program
To combat this threat before it spreads, the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) has launched a Volunteer Early Detector Program—and they need your help.
This new initiative trains local volunteers, cabin owners, anglers, and lake users to:
Recognize Starry Stonewort and other invasive species
Monitor access points and high-risk areas
Report any suspicious findings quickly
Educate others on prevention best practices
No special experience is needed—just a willingness to be the eyes and ears of the lake.
Why Early Detection Is Key
Early detection is the single most effective and affordable defense we have. If Starry Stonewort is caught before it spreads, containment strategies can be deployed. But once it takes hold across multiple bays or lakes, options become limited and expensive.
Just like wildfire, the earlier the response, the less damage done.
Protecting What Matters
Whether you're a long-time cabin owner, a weekend fisherman, or a local business owner, protecting the Whitefish Chain is about preserving more than just scenery—it's about safeguarding our community, our investment, and our future.
Getting involved with the Early Detector Program is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference.
📣 Want to Help? Join the Early Detector Team!
👉 Learn more and sign up to be an Early Detector Volunteer through WAPOA here: https://wapoa.org/starry-stonewort
Together, we can keep the Whitefish Chain healthy, beautiful, and economically strong—for this generation and the next.
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