Hello World! Welcome Friends! Watermilfoils, better known as simply “milfoil,” are aquatic plants that are common to many freshwater lakes and streams throughout the world. While some varieties of milfoil are native to their habitats, others are non-native and invasive.
Eurasian milfoil and variable leaf milfoil are two of the invasive varieties that are known to take over the natural ecosystem if they aren’t kept in check thoroughly.
But exactly what is this often-complained of plant and how did it get here, anyway?
More About Milfoil
You’ll find milfoil in many freshwater lakes. It’s pretty easy to recognize because it destroys just about every other native plant around it.
Invasive milfoil has feathery-looking leaves growing along a hollow stem that is often submerged. You may only be able to see the little flowers that grow at the surface, making the plant look harmless.
But these invasive plants dominate the local, native ecosystem because they are naturally infiltrative. They can survive through harsh summers and freezing winters, they don’t need a lot of sunlight to grow and reproduce, and they can live in depths up to 20 feet.
All invasive plants had to have been brought to their new habitat, and variable and Eurasian milfoil are no different. It is assumed that aquarium lovers first introduced milfoil to the United States. Since the first known discovery of Eurasian milfoil back in the 1940’s, this plant has managed to make its way into just about every state and a few Canadian provinces, too.
Milfoil reproduces in what is called “fragmentation.” This means that even if you try to destroy the plants, just cutting them up is only making it worse. Anytime a boat or other sharp object cut through a patch of milfoil, those sliced up pieces can form an entirely new plant. Worse, it’s transferrable by propellers, coolers, fishing lures, and anything else that is transferred from one body of water to another.
What Can You Do About Milfoil?
It may seem like an impossible problem to combat, but now that we know more about how milfoil spreads and how to control it, we can reduce the threat of this invasive plant on our native ecosystems.
Of course, knowledge is key, so you can help prevent spreading it by understanding how it becomes so prolific and sharing that knowledge with others.
Additionally, keeping your boat and other fishing gear clean after use is crucial. A simple wash is not enough. If you want to ensure that you aren’t spreading invasive milfoil, contact one of your local companies offering customized milfoil removal solutions.
Watch the bait you’re using, too. If you have any leftover pieces that were in the water at all, dispose of them in the trash instead of dumping them. They could have fragments of milfoil on them ready to spread.
It’s a Problem, But You Can Help With the Solution
It is just about everywhere in freshwater lakes in the United States, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. Its devastating consequences impact our native ecosystems and need to be stopped.
By doing your part to prevent the spread of milfoil, you can reduce damage to your local ecosystems.
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