Online Database Highlights Plant Life in Hubbard County Lakes

P.I. Charter provides detailed information on aquatic plant communities across Minnesota

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An online database called P.I. Charter, developed by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, is providing a comprehensive look at the plant species found in lakes across Hubbard County, Minnesota. The database currently includes data on 36 Hubbard County lakes, with plans to expand as more surveys are conducted. The information covers the diversity of plant life, from common 'weeds' to valuable habitat and food sources for wildlife.

Why it matters

Understanding the plant communities in lakes is crucial for managing water quality, habitat, and recreational use. The P.I. Charter database gives researchers, lake associations, and the public a detailed view of how plant life varies across Minnesota's lakes, which can inform conservation efforts and help track changes over time.

The details

The P.I. Charter database uses a consistent 'point intercept' survey methodology to catalog the aquatic plant species found in each lake. So far, over 80 different plant species have been identified across the 36 Hubbard County lakes included in the database, with an average of around 20 species per lake. Some lakes, like Portage Lake, contain over 50 different plant varieties. While some 'weeds' like curly-leaf pondweed are considered invasive, many native pondweed and other plant species provide important habitat and food sources for fish and wildlife.

  • The Hubbard County lake surveys were conducted between 10 and 20 years ago, with some more recent updates.
  • The P.I. Charter database is an ongoing project, with plans to add more Hubbard County lakes as they are surveyed in the future.

The players

P.I. Charter

An online database developed by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center that provides detailed information on aquatic plant communities across Minnesota lakes.

Dr. Jake Walsh

A research fellow with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center who directs the P.I. Charter project.

Jon Dennis

The president of the Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations, which has actively encouraged lake surveys and supported the inclusion of more Hubbard County lakes in the P.I. Charter database.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you're curious about fish habitat in your favorite lake, interested in learning more about aquatic plants, or want to understand how lakes are changing across the state, the P.I. Charter website gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Minnesota's underwater plant communities.”

— Dr. Jake Walsh, Research Fellow, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC Newsletter)

“We have actively encouraged lake surveys through grants to member associations, and other support. The goal is to help increase the number of Hubbard County lakes that are included in the P.I. Charter in the future.”

— Jon Dennis, President, Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (parkrapidsenterprise.com)

What’s next

The P.I. Charter database will continue to expand as more Hubbard County lakes are surveyed and added to the platform, providing an increasingly comprehensive view of aquatic plant communities across the region.

The takeaway

The P.I. Charter database is a valuable resource for understanding the diversity and importance of aquatic plants in Minnesota's lakes, which can inform conservation efforts and help track changes over time. The ongoing expansion of the database to include more Hubbard County lakes will provide even greater insights into the health and management of these vital water bodies.