The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the discovery of Eurasian watermilfoil in four additional lakes in 2003. The latest discoveries were made in Lake Alexander in Morrison County, Coon Lake in Anoka County, and Howard and Mink lakes in Wright County. Mink Lake is connected to Buffalo Lake, where Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered in 1999. “Based on patterns observed in recent years, more infestations are likely to be found yet this summer,” according to Chip Welling, Eurasian watermilfoil program coordinator. As the plants grow, boaters and DNR staff are better able to see and report them. Despite the annual spread to more lakes, DNR officials encourage boaters not to become apathetic about precautions they should take. “There are still many thousands of waters in the state without Eurasian watermilfoil,” Welling noted. DNR staff and others are continuing prevention efforts for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels and other harmful exotic species. To help remind boaters, exotic species alert signs will be posted at public water accesses on lakes with newly-discovered infestations. Watercraft inspectors will continue to educate boaters about the importance of removing all aquatic vegetation and emptying water bait buckets, livewells and bilge pumps prior to leaving water accesses. DNR biologists will inspect each infested lake to determine the extent of the infestation and the potential for control. “Experience has shown that even the most aggressive control efforts undertaken in past years have failed to eliminate milfoil or even limit its spread within a lake,” Welling said. “There is one key lesson from this fact: Prevention efforts by boaters and others are critical.” Eurasian watermilfoil, a nuisance exotic species that can grow into thick vegetative mats under certain conditions, now infests 145 Minnesota lakes, wetlands and rivers. The first Minnesota discovery was in Lake Minnetonka in 1987.
