Lake Minnetonka 2026 Treatment Schedule
The bays below will be treated for invasive curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil and/or flowering rush. Treatment dates may vary due to weather or water conditions. Please check back closer to the anticipated treatment date for any changes.
Note: Stubbs Bay, St. Albans Bay, and Carmans Bay are Lake Improvement Districts (LIDs) – for information about treatments on these bays contact the LID directly.
If a bay is not listed, it is either not enrolled in the Bay Treatment Program or it is not scheduled for a treatment in 2026.
The treatment(s) dates below are estimates. More detailed information will be posted when treatment(s) dates are finalized.
| Bay | Anticipated Treatment Dates | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Curlyleaf pondweed | Eurasian watermilfoil | Flowering rush* | |
| Black Lake | May | Fall | n/a |
| Browns Bay | May | Fall | |
| Crystal Bay | May | Fall | |
| Gideons Bay | May | Fall | |
| Grays Bay | Whole bay treatment - May | ||
| Lake Minnetonka (various locations) | July | ||
| North Arm Bay | Whole bay treatment - May | ||
| Phelps Bay | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Smithtown Bay | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Lake Improvement Districts (LIDs) | |||
| Carmans Bay | May | Fall | July |
| St. Albans Bay | Whole bay treatment - May | ||
| Stubbs Bay | Whole lake treatment - April | ||
*Flowering rush treatments will be managed by the Lake Minnetonka Association
Bay Treatment Program
Over 15 years of data collection and review by independent aquatic plant experts and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) show that the Lake Minnetonka Association’s Bay Treatment Program has met or exceeded its program expectations and that native plant diversity is rebounding. Further studies show the Lake Minnetonka Association’s Bay Treatment Program is the safest, most cost effective way to control non-native, invasive weeds.
Several bays participate in the Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed Bay Treatment Program. The Lake Minnetonka Association currently oversees invasive weed treatments on: Browns Bay, Carsons Bay, Crystal Bay, Gideons Bay, Grays Bay, North Arm Bay, Phelps Bay, Smithtown Bay, and St. Louis Bay.
Treatments on St. Albans, Stubbs, and Carmans Bays are managed by lake improvement districts created by lakeshore residents to pay for the invasive weed treatments. Beginning in 2026, The Lake Minnetonka Association will no longer accept donations for the control of invasive weeds in Stubbs Bay; however, it will accept donations and serve as fiscal agent for the Stubbs Bay phosphorous reduction program.
Bay treatments on Lake Minnetonka are successful because they are built on a foundation of good science, thoughtful project management, broad public support, and a strong partnership with researchers, aquatic plant experts, and the MnDNR. The success of this program is principally due to the work of our Bay Captains and the financial support of bay residents, businesses, and communities. Thanks to them and their efforts, a large part of Lake Minnetonka has been returned for boating and swimming and the ecological health of the lake is improving. Each person or organization who contributes their time or resources to this effort, are helping to restore the ecology and protect the legacy of beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
For information on how to enroll your bay in the Bay Treatment Program contact the Lake Minnetonka Association.