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The Board of Directors wanted to update the lake on the status of the Eurasian Watermilfoil.

 

Late June/Early July during an evaluation for algae treatment it was identified that there was Eurasian milfoil on the lake. 

 

Eurasian watermilfoil is a submersed, rooted aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was first reported in the United States in the 1880s and Wisconsin in the 1960s. Eurasian watermilfoil can reproduce via fragmentation, meaning a single stem fragment introduced to a waterbody could take root and establish a new population.

 

We don’t know exactly how the milfoil was introduced to the lake.  It most likely was transported via a boat, however wildlife can also spread the seeds.  The best way to mange is prevention. 

 

Prevention: The best way to keep a lake free of Eurasian watermilfoil is to prevent its establishment. Wisconsin's invasive species law prohibits the transport of aquatic plants, live animals and water from a waterbody, with some exceptions for bait.

 

●   Before leaving the boat launch, conduct the following actions required by law:

o   Inspect and remove aquatic plants and animals from boats and equipment.

o   Drain all water from the boat and equipment.

●   Before entering another waterbody:

o   Spray boat and equipment with high-pressure hot water, or

o   Allow the boat and equipment to dry out of water for at least five days.

Deceptively delicate and fragile in appearance, the Eurasian watermilfoil forms thick mats in the shallow areas of the lake, quickly growing and spreading to block sunlight, killing off native aquatic plants that fish and other underwater species rely on for food and shelter.  In North America, the plant threatens the diversity and abundance of native plants as well as the ecological balance of the lakes and ponds, which in turn adversely affects recreational opportunities.  If left unchecked, invasive watermilfoil will spread through a lake, or even to other lakes by transmission.  The impact would be both to the ability to use the lake for boating (wrapped propellers), as well as impact on fishing, etc.  

 

The Lake Management committee hired an outside firm to do a map of the lake to identify where and to what extent it was present on the lake.  This mapping is important to understand to see if the lake qualifies for DNR grants/funding to help treat it.  

 

Below is the map from the survey with the milfoil recorded in red:

 

 

 

The initial response from the DNR is that the lake does not qualify for DNR support due to requirements and extent of milfoil, non-public access lake, etc.  The team is continuing to understand all options.  

 

The Lake Management committee is now working with State experts to understand treatment, pros and cons of each and the cost associated.  The important thing to note is that from the information they have received it will be impossible to completely eradicate the milfoil from the lake.  The process now is to manage and control the growth and spread.  

 

There are two primary ways to treat:

 

The team is evaluating all options working with the Wisconsin DNR and experts on each option and will provide an update to the Board of Directors at the January 2026 meeting on the recommended treatment option, timing and ways to fund.  The continue to look for Grants and other funding options. 

The Lake Management team will continue to look at all of the things that are affecting the lake and will continue to bring forward data and options to create a safe and healthy lake for all of us to enjoy. 

There will be another update to the lake sent in mid – late January after the Board’s January meeting.  This will include options and potential cost. 

If approved by the Board, treatment will likely occur in May/June, 2026.  The treatment will not affect any other recreational activities on the lake.