MARSHALL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public feedback on its updated vegetation management plan for Lake Shaokatan in Lincoln County.
The plan, first developed in 2016, establishes when herbicide treatment of native aquatic vegetation can occur. Each year, DNR staff conduct a point-intercept survey at about 200 locations across the lake. Treatment is allowed if at least 85% of the survey points show common or abundant vegetation. If the level is below 85%, treatment is not allowed.
Nate Hodgins, DNR regional assistant fisheries manager, said the plan was created to balance recreational access with the habitat benefits of aquatic vegetation.
“With the 10-year update to the plan we’re doing now, we’re seeking any feedback the public might have,” Hodgins said. “We will take all feedback into account, and if there is a significant amount, we can hold a public meeting to discuss any ideas or issues at hand.”
No changes have been made to the treatment standards in the latest update. The Lake Shaokatan Improvement District last met the standards for treatment in 2023, with the previous treatment occurring in 2019.
Lake Shaokatan is nearly 1,000 acres with a typical maximum depth of 11 feet. The lake has seen improvements in water quality following efforts to reduce phosphorus levels, which has contributed to the return of aquatic vegetation.
The DNR says native vegetation provides important habitat, but dense vegetation can also make recreation difficult on shallow lakes such as Shaokatan.
A draft of the 2026 plan is available through the DNR Windom Area Fisheries webpage. Public comments can be submitted to Hodgins by email or phone through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31.
