Star Lake

On the scoring rubric Star Lake grades a D: clarity at 4.9 ft and phosphorus readings still being added keep it in the lower bracket for Cook County.

At a TSI of 54, Star Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. At only 13 ft deep, Star Lake is shallow — wind keeps the water column mixed and sediment resuspension drives phosphorus levels harder to manage. At 107 acres, Star Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 4.6 miles of shoreline. Within the 128 graded lakes of Cook County, Star Lake sits at rank 100, near the bottom of the county list.

No invasive species are currently listed at Star Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. Walleye are documented at Star Lake, one of 5 fish species on record for the lake. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.