LINCOLN COUNTY, Minn. — Residents and visitors of Lake Shaokatan in Lincoln County have until Aug. 31 to provide feedback on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ updated Vegetation Management Plan for the lake.
The plan was first developed in 2016 after concerns that dense aquatic vegetation was making recreation difficult. The 10-year update does not make changes to the existing treatment standards.
Nate Hodgins, DNR assistant southern regional fisheries manager, said the update is primarily an opportunity to review the plan and hear from lake users.
“The whole gist of the plan is not that we are changing anything drastic,” Hodgins said. “We just want to let people know what’s been going on for the past 10 years and that we continue to move forward in that path.”
Under the plan, DNR staff conduct an annual survey of submerged vegetation at about 200 points across the lake. If at least 85% of the points show common or abundant vegetation, herbicide treatment can be allowed on up to 15% of the lake to improve recreational access.
The last time the treatment requirements were met was in 2023.
Hodgins said aquatic vegetation provides important habitat for fish and helps absorb excess nutrients in the lake.
“It’s actually a really good sign of a healthy system,” he said, noting that Lake Shaokatan has provided good fishing opportunities for walleye, northern pike, bluegill and largemouth bass.
Hodgins said the DNR has received about a dozen comments so far and is encouraging additional feedback from anglers, recreational users and others who enjoy the lake.
“It’s important for people to chime in and let their voice be heard because we want to get perspectives from all sides of users,” he said.
Comments can be submitted to Hodgins at nate.hodgins@state.mn.us or 507-233-1216 by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31. The draft plan is available through the DNR Windom Area Fisheries webpage.
