Eurasian watermilfoil has been discovered growing in Leech Lake, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today.The non-native, invasive aquatic plant was discovered in several harbors from Stony Point to Rogers Point on the southern shore. The DNR will conduct further surveys this week to determine the full extent of the distribution of the Eurasian watermilfoil in Leech Lake."Some bays of Leech Lake like those in the northern and eastern parts of the lake support stands of cabbage and other native submersed aquatic plants. Most of the other parts of the lake support few, if any, submersed plants," said Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian watermilfoil coordinator. "As such, it is likely that the plant will take hold only in those parts of the lake where native aquatic plants are already growing."Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered last Wednesday by a citizen while swimming at a beach near the Whipholt Public Water Access on State Highway 200. The citizen, who was familiar with the plant, noticed a piece of what he suspected was Eurasian watermilfoil on the beach and soon found additional fragments. He then delivered the suspected Eurasian watermilfoil to the DNR.The DNR sent crews to Leech Lake to search for Eurasian watermilfoil on Monday and found rooted plants growing in the lake.Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers and make water recreation difficult.The DNR will consider making herbicide treatments in areas near boat ramps, both public and private, to reduce the amount of milfoil and thus reduce the likelihood that boaters might accidentally carry the plant from the lake on trailered watercraft."The DNR has more than 15 years experience with attempts to eradicate milfoil from Minnesota lakes," said Welling. "We also have learned a lot from watching efforts in other states. Milfoil can be managed, but complete eradication is not a realistic goal."Boaters who use Leech Lake are urged to be extra thorough when looking for and removing aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment. It is unlawful in Minnesota to transport aquatic plants or prohibited exotic species on public roads or to launch watercraft with them attached. Eurasian watermilfoil has now been discovered in 146 lakes and seven rivers or streams in Minnesota.
