Eurasian Watermilfoil Discovered in McCormack Lake near Chisholm in Minnesota
OutdoorHub 08.09.12
Eurasian watermilfoil has been discovered growing in McCormack Lake near Chisholm in St. Louis County, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said today.
Following an initial discovery by a DNR botanist, further inspections were made by DNR aquatic biologists to confirm the extent of growth. The nonnative, invasive aquatic plant was discovered in all 36 survey locations around the small lake. The plants were mature and varied in length from 12 to 36 inches, and were growing near shore in water depths of one to eight feet.
Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers, and make water recreation difficult.
“The inavasive aquatic plant is wide spread in the lake,” said DNR Invasive Species Specialist Richard Rezanka. “Since we are already into the late summer months when herbicides tend to be less effective, no treatments of Eurasian watermilfoil by the DNR are currently planned.”
If local residents experience problems with access due to Eurasian watermilfoil, there are options for control they may undertake.
Boaters who use McCormack Lake are urged to be extra thorough when looking for and removing aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment. It is unlawful in Minnesota to transport aquatic plants or prohibited invasive species on roads or to launch watercraft with them attached. Eurasian watermilfoil has now been discovered in more than 260 lakes, rivers or streams in Minnesota.
The lake will be designated as an infested water and the unimproved public access will be signed to alert boaters.
More information about aquatic invasive species, how to inspect water equipment, and a current infested waters list are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/invasives/index_aquatic.html.
