Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants and animals that disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and impact recreation. Learn how they spread, the problems they cause, and safe methods for control and management.
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
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
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
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state’s lead agency for hydrilla control since July 1, 2008, faces a daunting challenge. It not only manages the spread of non-native hydrilla by spraying herbicides to maintain waterways for boating navigation and flood control. It also must consider the wants of Florida residents while keeping the
When it comes to their role in aquatic ecosystems, exotic water plants are generally no different than indigenous species. In fact, they can be an asset. That doesn’t mean all exotic species should be given free rein. But they can be managed more effectively if you focus on their properties and not their place of
Water chestnuts are fast-growing invasive aquatic plants that choke waterways, damaging recreational opportunities and natural habitats. These plants displace native species, reduce biodiversity, hamper recreational uses and diminish the aesthetic value of bodies of water. They can negatively impact native vegetation and fish populations by forming large dense mats of vegetation on the water surface,
If you notice a decrease in the water level at Twin Lakes in Alaska — despite this week’s drizzly weather — it’s because the City and Borough of Juneau’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game are draining the lakes to control milfoil, an invasive aquatic weed. The lakes are
The highly invasive species, hydrilla has shown up on once again in Wallace Lake, Cleveland Ohio. Due to its ability to grow and spread rapidly aggressive control efforts to eradicate the aquatic plant before it becomes widespread are being taken. First discovered last summer, it was the first of its kind in northern Ohio. Aquatic