Weed Information
The Black Lake Invasive Weed Committee
Eurasian Milfoil
Eurasian Milfoil is a highly aggressive aquatic plant that is taking over lakes throughout the country. It forms dense canopies that often shade and crowd out native vegetation. Thick growth can impair Black Lake’s recreational uses including boating, swimming, and fishing. The dense growth of Eurasian milfoil can alter and degrade the habitat of native fish and other wildlife. Stagnant water created by Eurasian Milfoil mats not only smells but provides good breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Eurasian Milfoil leads to deteriorating water quality on infested lakes. It is readily spread by plant fragments that are carried downstream by water currents or deposited by boaters. Milfoil is readily dispersed by boats, motors, trailers, bilges, live wells or bait buckets, and can stay alive for weeks if kept moist. Once established, Eurasian Milfoil is extremely difficult to eradicate. Control experiments on other New York lakes have been attempted with water level manipulations, mechanical control and herbicides.
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species
INVASIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS CAN IMPACT BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
INSPECT:
Boat, motor, trailers, automobile undercarriage and all recreational equipment, jet skits, and fishing gear for attached plants and animals.
DRAIN:
All water from boat, motor, and equipment away from the access on dry land. Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
REMOVE:
ALL attached aquatic plants and animals and discard on dry land.
