Eurasian Water Milfoil Treatment
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Eurasian Watermilfoil Update
Freshwater Scientific, the partner company PLM uses to survey our lakes, completed the Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) survey of lakes Emily and Mary. The news this year was outstanding. The surveys found only one EWM plant in Emily and none in Mary. This was surprising given all the chatter this year about heavy weeds in the lakes and river. To see the survey maps, go to www.emilylakes.org and click on EWM Control near the top of the webpage. Naturally, the board questioned PLM about why this year had such good results. Their representative, David Hillstrom, could not point to any single reason but offered some possibilities. First on the list was that ELRA chose a different chemical last year to treat EWM and the change worked well. Second, is that native plants are thriving in the warm water and low lake levels thus crowding out EWM. But David admitted EWM should have thrived too. Third, there are just some years where EWM does not grow well, and this year may be that year for us. Looking back at our records for Lake Emily, we found only 1.4 acres of EWM in 2017 and none in 2018. Then in 2019 and 2020 we found 16 and 11 acres respectively. Bottom-line, there are many factors impacting the growth of EWM. If you have any questions, you can email the board ELRA@emilylakes.org or ask them at the annual meeting scheduled for August 14 at Emily City Hall. For now, enjoy the rest of the summer months and remember to inspect your watercraft and dock when you remove them from the water and report anything unusual. |
If you need training in identification and removal of Eurasian Water Milfoil, please email the board at: elra@emilylakes.org and training will be arranged.
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Emily Lakes & Rivers Association | PO Box 111 | Emily, MN 56447
