Aquatic invasive plant found here

With the recent discovery of Eurasian watermilfoil at Beaver Lake, north of Whitefish, the Flathead Aquatic Invasive Species Workgroup is asking recreationists for help in containing this an aquatic invasive weed.

After a lengthy lake survey and positive identification by aquatic invasive species specialists, it was concluded that the boat ramp at Beaver Lake will be closed until there is no longer a risk of spreading the weed.

"The closure will remain in effect until Eurasian watermilfoil plants and floating fragments have been removed," Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesperson John Fraley said.

Anyone who has fished or boated in Beaver Lake is asked to clean their boats, equipment and waders prior to entering another water body. Anyone who took boating equipment that has not been decontaminated from Beaver Lake to another lake is asked to contact FWP at 444-2449 so those locations can be monitored. FWP has a decontamination station and a brochure listing approved car wash businesses.

Personnel from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation found the plants covering a 12-by-12-foot area in Beaver Lake on Oct. 19. The Flathead County Weed District began removing the watermilfoil from Beaver Lake this week.

"We were very lucky to find this infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil early when management is feasible and cost effective," Flathead County weed coordinator Jed Fisher said. "Once established, this plant is very expensive to control. Idaho has spent $9 million over the last several years controlling Eurasian watermilfoil in its waters."

Fisher assured the public that various government agencies have been actively looking for watermilfoil in the Flathead.

"Everybody's out looking for it," he said. "Everybody agrees we have to be aware of the threat."

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was introduced to North America from Europe and Asia, and is found over much of the U.S. The plant can drastically alter the ecology and use of water bodies, according to Erik Hanson, a consultant for the work group.

"It forms dense mats of vegetation on the surface of the water that interferes with recreational activities, such as fishing, swimming and boating," he said. "Lakes with Eurasian watermilfoil can experience steep declines in fisheries, dissolved oxygen depletion, decreases in property values and the loss of recreational use."

Hanson said watermilfoil reproduces very rapidly. In fall and late summer, the plant breaks into fragments that float across lakes and start new plants. Plant pieces are easily transported between water bodies by boats and fishing gear, he said.

Fisher said plans called for sending a diver to Beaver Lake to pull up the watermilfoil. Crews in boats used nets to prevent pieces of the plants from leaving the area. A net barrier held in place with concrete-filled PVC pipes was also used.