In Minneapolis, the park district’s mechanical harvester has been mowing Eurasian watermilfoil in the Chain of Lakes since before Memorial Day. It began several weeks earlier than usual, said Deb Pilger, director of environmental operations, due to the warm and early-starting spring that caused a healthy crop of invasive aquatic weed growth. The Lake Minnetonka
The Invasive Species War Boston Sunday Globe Sunday July 31st, 2011 The European water chestnut is considered an invasive species, one of the 1,500 or so plants and animals across the united States that have ended up settling in places where they don’t belong because of human activity. It’s a dubious distinction – one that
According to Nick Brown, DNR invasive species specialist, herbicides used to treat curly-leaf pondweed on Minnesota lakes may not lead to improvements in water quality. Curly-leaf pondweed is an invasive plant found throughout much of Minnesota. The plant grows slowly throughout the winter under the ice, but once the ice has left the lake the
The crew of the Lynyrd Skymmr rescued three canoeists and set a record in collecting 1,545 cubic yards of floating debris from Milwaukee, Wisconsin rivers this year. The 50-foot-long vessel scooped up three dozen tree trunks and uncounted branches along with the usual urban flotsam of plastic containers, trash, road construction safety barrels, tires and
Controlling nuisance plants in Dane County lakes is a key element in an updated plan being worked on by county officials. The Land and Water Resources Department tries to balance a reasonable use of the lakes through boating, fishing and swimming, while preserving the health and balance of the lake ecosystem. The use of mechanical
Eurasian water milfoil is an exotic invasive species that is thought to have been introduced to the U.S. in the 1800’s in the bilge of ships. Once established milfoil can never be completely eradicated, but it can be managed with an aquatic weed harvester or repeat treatments of aquatic herbicides. Any relaxing on the spraying
Once established, it can be managed but not eradicated. It has spread to almost every state in the US, where it grows into thick mats that can make lakes impenetrable for boats and swimmers. It can make it impossible for native plants to grow, affecting fish and wildlife. Yup, it’s Eurasian watermilfoil. Homeowners and businesses
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) such as wild celery and eelgrass are an important component of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The underwater grasses improve water quality in the Bay by trapping loose sediment in their roots and remove pollutants, such as excess nitrogen, from the water column. The beds are also home to spawning fish and
Warmer weather and water temperatures are spurring the growth of aquatic plants across Wisconsin and increasing calls from waterfront property owners for help in controlling the plants. State aquatic plant specialists encourage property owners to contact the Department of Natural Resources before taking steps to reduce or control the plants. The plants provide important fish
Posted on July 9, 2013 by Dan O’Keefe, Michigan State University Extension Aquatic ecologists tend to avoid the term “weeds” when referring to macrophytes – the rooted aquatic plants that many swimmers and boaters disdain. These plants provide food for waterfowl and habitat for fish, but they can also play a critical role in maintaining