The LDO works very closely with the MN DNR, Washington County, The City of Lake Elmo and the Valley Branch Watershed District to manage the Invasive Eurasian Water Milfoild and Curly-Leaf Pondweed in our lakes. Proper management is required to prevent the lakes from matting over with a thick layer of weeds disrupting all forms of water recreation.
We need to treat lakes that have Eurasian Water Milfoil because this invasive plant can grow very quickly and take over large areas of the lake. When it does this, it can outcompete and choke out native plant species that are important for maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
If left unchecked, Eurasian Water Milfoil can also make it difficult for people to use the lake for recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The dense mats of vegetation that can form on the water's surface can become tangled in boat propellers and fishing lines, making it difficult to move around and catch fish.
Treating the lake for Eurasian Water Milfoil involves removing the plant or killing it with chemicals to prevent it from spreading further. By doing this, we can help to protect the native plant and animal species in the lake and ensure that people can continue to enjoy recreational activities there.
Curly Leaf Pondweed is an invasive species that can cause harm to aquatic ecosystems. When it grows unchecked, it can form dense mats of vegetation on the surface of the water, which can interfere with recreational activities like swimming and boating. Additionally, these mats can reduce oxygen levels in the water, which can harm native fish and other aquatic animals.
Curly Leaf Pondweed can also outcompete native plant species for resources like nutrients and sunlight, which can lead to a decline in biodiversity in the ecosystem. In some cases, curly leaf pondweed can even alter the physical structure of the lake or river bottom, which can further impact the ecosystem.
By treating lakes and other bodies of water for curly leaf pondweed, we can help maintain the health and balance of aquatic ecosystems. This can benefit both the environment and people who use the water for recreation or other purposes.
The LDO Shoreline treatment program is an extension of our mid-lake program. Residents who wish to participate with us will receive 2 shoreline treatments per season. The first will occur when the mid-lake invasive species treatment is applied. The second treatment application will be scheduled for the week before the 4th of July.