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Coming soon to a lake near you!! -
Eurasian Watermilfoil
based on information from John Alden, Watershed Coordinator, and the Walker Pilot-Independent, July 20, 2004.
EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL (EWM) is an exotic, submersed, invasive aquatic plant native to Europe and Asia. EWM was first discovered in the eastern regions of the United States in the 1950s. In Minnesota, it was first noticed in the Twin Cities area in 1987. On July 14, 2004 it was discovered in Leech Lake by a citizen swimming at a beach near the Whipholt public water access. This citizen found several fragments of the plant and took them to the DNR in Walker where they were confirmed to be EWM. The DNR subsequently sent crews to search the area; these crews found rooted plants growing in five private harbors on the southeast shore of Leech Lake.
WHY DO WE NEED to be concerned about EWM? - EWM can form large dense mats of vegetation at the water's surface that crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers, and make water recreation difficult. These mats occur in water that may be up to 15 feet in depth; the greater the transparency of the water, the greater the depth at which EWM is viable.
THE PLANT CAN BE TRANSFERRED from one lake/river to another by boats, aircraft, and waterfowl. According to DNR, once EWM appears in a lake, it can be managed but not eradicated. It has already been discovered in 146 lakes and seven rivers or streams in Minnesota.
John Alden is currently searching data sources from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota to help him develop a pro-active management plan in case EWM should be found in Ten Mile Lake. In addition, the Environment and Ecology Committee will be organizing member surveys of the entire lakeshore to check for EWM and other invasive species, while continuing to have the Lake surveyed annually for exotic species by Delman Hogen, Chief Scientist for Clearwater Technologies. ALL TMLA MEMBERS are urged to take seriously the threat of possible invasions of unwanted flora and fauna, by:
 | EDUCATING YOURSELVES about the threatening species |
| learn to recognize EWM, zebra mussels, rusty crayfish. The E&E Committee expects to organize a seminar for this purpose. |
| MAKING SURE YOUR BOAT, propeller, and any other equipment are thoroughly cleaned before you put them on the Lake, especially if you have taken them out of a lake or river known to be infested with exotic species. - It is unlawful in Minnesota to transport aquatic plants or exotic species on public roads or to launch watercraft contaminated with such species. |
| PAYING ATTENTION while on the Lake or lakeshore, to observe anything that may be an undesirable exotic species. This kind of scrutiny will be especially important in the vicinity of any of the public access points. |
SKY BLUE WATERS
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