DNR hosting meeting on invasive aquatic plant

The Department of Natural Resources will host a March 31 public meeting to discuss a plan for combating brittle naiad in Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area near Tripoli.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Tripoli Community Center.

Brittle naiad -- an invasive aquatic plant discovered during 2010 plant surveys on Martens Lake -- poses a serious threat to native fish, plants and wildlife in Sweet Marsh.

Based on experience at other Iowa lakes, if immediate action is not taken, brittle naiad will make it difficult to boat and fish in Martens Lake.

The DNR will present a plan that includes a combination of herbicide application, temporary water-level drawdown and beneficial plant management that is designed to suppress brittle naiad and Eurasian watermilfoil while providing benefits to fish and wildlife in Sweet Marsh.

DNR staff will present details on the Invasive Plant Management Plan for Sweet Marsh, after which attendees will be able to submit written questions.