2024 Accomplishments
In 2024, the Minocqua Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association (MKLPA) partnered with Aquatic Plant Management (APM) to tackle the growing issue of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) in Minocqua and Kawaguesaga Lakes. This invasive aquatic plant, now covering over 200 acres, poses a serious threat to the lake’s ecosystem and recreational use. The comprehensive management strategy implemented included mechanical harvesting, diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), hand harvesting, and targeted herbicide treatment.
A Comprehensive EWM Control Strategy
The MKLPA and APM implemented a multi-faceted approach to tackle EWM, using a combination of mechanical harvesting, diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), hand harvesting, and selective herbicide treatments. This strategy reflects a commitment to balancing effective EWM control with minimal disruption to the lakes’ natural environment.
Key Achievements in 2024:
- DASH and Hand Harvesting: Together, DASH and hand-harvesting teams worked for a total of 60 days. They focused on 19 high-priority sites across both lakes, removing a combined 3,462.5 cubic feet of EWM. Of this, over 70% came from Kawaguesaga Lake, indicating that EWM infestations there were particularly dense.
- Mechanical Harvesting: APM spent 11.2 days removing EWM at 13 locations, clearing 5,615 cubic feet of biomass. The bulk of the mechanical removal occurred in June and July when the plant’s growth was most aggressive, accounting for 90% of the total biomass removed during the season.
- Herbicide Treatment: On June 21, 2024, two priority locations on Minocqua Lake were treated with the herbicide ProcellaCOR. This advanced, low-dose herbicide was applied to 35.1 acres, targeting large infestations while minimizing impact on native plants and aquatic life. The treatment was carefully monitored, with favorable conditions ensuring its effectiveness.
Results and Observations:
In total, 9,077.5 cubic feet of EWM was removed from Minocqua and Kawaguesaga Lakes in 2024. APM’s efforts have led to a notable reduction in EWM density across treated areas, particularly after the primary mechanical harvesting period. By late summer, operators observed a significant decline in the plant’s growth, allowing for less harvesting efforts than originally planned. This indicates that the combined efforts are beginning to show results in curbing EWM spread.
Future Directions: Continuing the Fight
Despite this year’s success, the battle against EWM is ongoing. The MKLPA and APM will continue to refine their approach, prioritizing areas with high infestation levels while ensuring the health of native plant species and overall lake ecology. The integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, which combines manual, chemical, and mechanical control methods, remains the cornerstone of this effort. By evaluating the pros and cons of each method, the MKLPA aims to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized while still achieving effective EWM control.
Why This Matters:
Eurasian Watermilfoil poses a serious risk to local ecosystems, recreational activities, and even property values around the lakes. Left unchecked, it can outcompete native plants, degrade water quality, and limit access for fishing, boating, and swimming. The work being done by the MKLPA and APM ensures that these lakes remain healthy and accessible for residents, visitors, and future generations.
The MKLPA’s EWM management program highlights the importance of community involvement and proactive intervention in environmental protection. As we move forward into 2025, ongoing support from lake users and local stakeholders will be crucial to sustaining the health of Minocqua and Kawaguesaga Lakes.
Together, through continued efforts and innovative management strategies, we can protect our beloved lakes from invasive species and preserve their beauty and biodiversity for years to come.