![Maintenance crews removed an invasive hybrid cattail from the pond at Loring Park on Monday, February 29, 2016, in Minneapolis, Minn. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER ï reneejones@startribune.com Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) forestry staff will begin cutting and removing frozen cattail encased in ice from Loring Pondís North Bay beginning Mon., February 29. Staff will use chainsaws, long-arm backhoes and other large mechanical equipment to cut and move the ice from Loring Park.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EZYWUKLLMOFDGIPMTDR7VWGRLA.jpg?&w=1080)
As temperatures plunged back below freezing Monday, Minneapolis Park crews hauled out chain saws and backhoes to cut ice-encased cattails from the Loring Park pond, above. The effort to remove the invasive plant required enough ice on the pond to support workers and frozen ground to support the heavy equipment. The work was expected to last seven to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. The forecast calls for chilly, but seasonal temps in the upper 20s to mid-30s for the next few days.
![At a bus stop on Hennepin Ave in downtown Minneapolis, Judith Schuller tried to stay warm while waiting for the bus to get back to South Minneapolis after running errands.] Richard Tsong-Taatarii/rtsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CHG4CIYFK2YLMPKZ2EXNKL77QI.jpg?&w=1080)
