Eurasian watermilfoil found in Wright County’s Pelican Lake

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Eurasian watermilfoil found in Wright County’s Pelican Lake
(Released July 15, 2010)


Eurasian watermilfoil, a nonnative invasive plant that crowds out other aquatic vegetation that is more beneficial to fish and wildlife, has been discovered growing in Pelican Lake, in Wright County, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today.

The plant was discovered during a lake vegetation survey in June. Pelican Lake, one of the state’s 44 designated wildlife lakes, is the first designated wildlife lake found to be infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. The other most common plant found in the lake during the survey was another nonnative invasive plant, curly-leaf pondweed. Historically, Pelican Lake had abundant native aquatic vegetation that attracted both breeding and migrating waterfowl, but high water levels and excess nutrients over the last 20 years has decreased native vegetation abundance.

Although it may not be realistic to completely eliminate Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed from the lake, the DNR expects that future water level management plans will discourage growth of these exotic plants and encourage growth of native aquatic plants that provide better fish and wildlife habitat. In other states, water level management has been effective at managing exotic vegetation in lakes. It is also a proven tool to improve native vegetation abundance in Minnesota shallow lakes.

“Hopefully, as we manage the lake, conditions will improve” said Fred Bengtson, DNR area wildlife manager. “The lake gets a lot of use by both fisherman and waterfowl hunters, so it is important the public be aware of the presence of these plants so we can prevent further spread.”

To help stop aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil, boaters are urged to be extra thorough when looking for and removing aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment before trailering them. It is unlawful in Minnesota to transport water from infested waters, aquatic plants, and prohibited invasive species on public roads or to launch watercraft with them attached.