SEPTEMBER 6, 2006

MN DNR finds Eurasian watermilfoil in 11 new lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the discovery of Eurasian watermilfoil in 11 new lakes, all but one of whichare within 50 miles of the Twin Cities.
               
Eurasian watermilfoil, or simply milfoil, is now in 188 bodies of water in the state since it was discovered in the late 1980s. The majority of infested water bodies are in central and north-central Minnesota, according to Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Program coordinator.

Milfoil also has been discovered in Wisconsin in Superior Bay near the Barkers Island Marina. It is not known whether milfoil is growing near the Park Point public water access or other accesses on the Minnesota shore of Superior Bay or the Saint Louis River. To prevent further spread of milfoil to inland lakes near Duluth, boaters using these accesses 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 invasive species on public roads or to launch watercraft with them attached.

The following lakes have been added to the list of Minnesota waters infested with invasive species: Lake Winona, Winona County; Maria or Little Mary and Emma lakes, Wright County; Fish Lake, Chisago County; Clear, Mud and Bone lakes, Washington County.

In addition, milfoil was discovered in four bodies of water with no public water access. They are Lucy Lake, Carver County; an un-named and unprotected lake in Washington County; Quarry Lake, Dakota County; and
Lakewood Cemetery Pond, Hennepin County.

The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Despite finding more evidence of the plant's spread, DNR officials said milfoil is still known in fewer than 200 lakes across the state, thanks to continued vigilance from boaters.

The DNR urges boaters to continue to take precautions to avoid spreading the plant.

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