Milfoil Question

[KTO]

I've been hearing "stuff" around the forum about a possible "cure" (and yes I mean cure, milfoil is like a disease to Winni!), I heard it was going to take two years of testing, but does anyone know if there are any plans to do any work about it on Winnipesaukee? (Lees Mill, Meredith, WOLFEBORO, PAUGUS BAY)
Thanks. Also, any news you have about this subject will be quite interesting too!

[Lakegeezer]

I can't imagine any way to get rid of all the milfoil. Quite a few times each summer, we see lots of milfoil floating down the lake, and washing up on our shoreline. Probably people trying to clear it, not realizing that they are just helping to spread it. In recent years, while snorkling, I've noticed it taking root in 10 feet of water, where it had not been before. It would be nice if there was a cure for the choked coves that have become just plain gross, but there must be thousands of points in the lake where its slowly expanding.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

You might find your answers here.

Plant Control Techniques (http://www.des.state.nh.us/WMB/ExoticSpecies/Management.htm)

The DES Exotic Species Program (http://www.des.state.nh.us/WMB/ExoticSpecies/)

Weed Watchers (http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/bb/bb-4.htm)

Variable milfoil
Myriophyllum heterophyllum (Michx)

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/bb/bb-23.gif

Species Description/General Information
Milfoil is a submerged aquatic plant with fine densely packed, feather-like leaves whorled around a main stem. It can grow up to 15 feet and may exhibit a three- to six-inch green spike-like flower above the waterline in July. A cross-section of the stem will reveal "pie-shaped" air chambers.

This exotic species of milfoil has been in the state since the late 1960s, and can currently be found in over 50 waterbodies in New Hampshire. There are six native milfoil species present in the state that do not cause problems. Eurasian milfoil is another non-native milfoil found in New Hampshire, but it is less of a threat than variable milfoil due to our water chemistry.

Why is Milfoil Considered a Nuisance Species?
This species is not native to our state and is very difficult to control once it becomes fully established. Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots, and settle in a new location. Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces beneficial native plant life. It makes swimming difficult and can devalue waterfront property. Where this species grows in its native environment, insects and fish may feed on this plant at such a rate as to control its growth. In New Hampshire, milfoil has no natural predators to keep its population in check. Under optimum temperature, light and nutrient conditions, milfoil may grow up to an inch per day.

How Did Exotic Milfoil Become Established in This State?
It was most likely a "stowaway" fragment attached to a boat or trailer that came to this region. Milfoil can live out of water for many hours if it remains moist, like when it’s wound around a wet carpeted bunk on a boat trailer. Milfoil is usually first found near boat launch sites.

Another theory is that milfoil was introduced to a New Hampshire waterbody through the dumping of a home aquarium. This plant is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in fish aquariums.

Once Established, How Does Milfoil Infest Other Areas of a Waterbody?
Boat propellers will chop milfoil plants into small fragments. These fragments float on the surface and are at the mercy of the wind and lake currents. In a short time, roots form on these fragments. If washed ashore, these plants eventually take hold creating a new colony of milfoil. The cycle goes on until every suitable area is filled in with these weeds. An alternative form of the plants develops during low water. This vegetation type is more succulent than the submersed form.

What Methods Are Currently Being Used to Control Milfoil?
Three methods are currently used to control variable milfoil. Hand-pulling of new infestations is one way to prevent a full-lake infestation, but these patches must be detected early. When the plants become too large to hand-pull, a benthic barrier may be placed on the lake bed by State divers to compress the plants to the bottom and block sunlight. This works only in very small patches. The other method for controlling plants when they become too large to pull or cover is the use of an aquatic herbicide. These herbicides can provide one to three years of control in a waterbody.

There is no way to eradicate the plant once it has become well established in a waterbody. DES is currently working with Dartmouth College to determine the genetics of the milfoil plants and to see if there is a possibility for future genetic control of the plant.

Have Chemicals Been Used to Effectively Control Exotic Milfoil?
One chemical treatment in the spring, during peak plant growth, is sufficient for milfoil control for the remainder of the treatment season, and perhaps into the next. Chemicals are usually the method of choice for small new infestations that are too large for hand-pulling or screening. However, attempts to eradicate extensive areas of weeds using chemicals are rarely effective. In most cases, the treated area becomes re-infested with fragments from other sections of the lake.

It is illegal to apply chemical herbicides to any New Hampshire waters unless you contract with a licensed applicator. The use of chemicals by an untrained person could jeopardize the health and welfare of the lake and its ecology. Inappropriate or inaccurate use of chemicals is life- threatening to people. It should be noted, however, that the state has been conducting herbicide applications for several years, and no negative impacts to non-target plants, animals, or humans have been observed.

For more information on milfoil or other Exotic Species, please contact the Exotic Species Coordinator at 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us. Also, visit the Exotic Species website at

[Rattlesnake Gal]

WANTED!!
Information on the location of this exotic plant.

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/bb/bb25.gif

Fanwort
(Cabomba caroliniana)

Please contact DES if you have seen this plant.

Species Description

Fanwort is a submerged bright green aquatic plant with narrow leaves arranged in a fan shape manner oppositely located on a long a narrow stem. Floating, lily-like leaves are found on the water's surface during flower production. Flowers are small, white, and emergent. This stem plant stands approximately 20 inches tall, with its slender stem coated in a gelatinous slime. Leaf segments are approximately 1mm wide. Fanwort flowers from July through September.

General Information

Fanwort is a native plant of the southern United States, and Latin and South America. It is currently found in Arlington Mill Reservoir in North Salem, Island Pond in Derry, Phillips Pond in Sandown, Mine Falls Pond in Nashua, and the Nashua River in Nashua. This exotic plant was discovered in New Hampshire in the late 1960's and entered the state via the back of a transient boat trailer or was dumped from a tropical fish aquarium. Characteristic of many exotic plants introduced to a new environment, Fanwort quickly invades shoreline areas of waterbodies, ultimately impairing recreational activities.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

WANTED!!
Information on the location of this exotic plant.

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/bb/emilfoil.gif

Eurasian Milfoil
(Myriophyllum spicatum)

Please inform DES
if you see this plant. 603-271-3503

Species Description

Eurasian milfoil is a submerged aquatic plant with whorled leaves up to one inch long that appear to be clipped on end. Eurasian milfoil can grow up to 10 feet in height and exhibits a reddish shoot near the surface. It forms dense mats of tangled plants in lakes and ponds.

General Information

Eurasian milfoil, which originally came to this country from Europe and Asia is a serious nuisance to many lake residents. Once introduced to a lake (usually by boats) it grows and spreads very quickly, ultimately ruining valuable shorefront property. Mountain Pond in Brookfield and the Connecticut River in
Charlestown are the only two locations of this plant in New Hampshire. However, Eurasian milfoil can be found nearby in a number of waterbodies in Vermont and Massachusetts. This plant is typically found in alkaline (hard) water, while New Hampshire tends to have soft water.

[Audiofn]

This stuff is now at my back door up in Maine. It would be very sad to see it ruin our great lake. I hope that they come up with something quick to take care of this stuff.

I read and also heard on the news that they were running a number of tests with some chemicals on a few of the lakes in NH. Does anyone know what the results were of these test? Or is it to early to know?

Does extream cold kill this stuff? My only hope at my land in Maine is that they lower the lake substantially durring the winter. If the cold kills it I stand a chance of it staying at leaste a little bit from my dock.

[Lin]

Here's another link about Milfoil from the State of Minnesota. It has a lot of research links. Lots of watershed groups and Universities will hold invasive species courses and workshops. If you're really concerened with them some of the workshops are really informative. I noted another poster mentioned another invasive plant on a watch/wanted list. People have to be careful where they dump their fishtanks out too. Besides cuttings on boats and trailers, sometimes the invasives in the right climates/conditions will take off from the tank wastes. I managed a couple of state parks years ago. One had about 577 acres of water that looks like it could be used as a monster/horror location it had/has the milfoil so bad. The state at one time used a aquatic weed harvester but that just made the problem worse as the fragments that cut loose planted elsewhere. Every year though I notice the problem of Milfoil getting worse up near the coves of Green's Basin. I sure wish they'd be a right fast way to getting rid of the stuff without ecologically harming the water, fish and animals.

http://www.fw.umn.edu/research/milfoil/milfoilbc.html

[mcdude]

Ossipee Lake has made a concerted effort to combat this problem.
click for article (http://www.ossipeelake.org/newsroom/articles.php?x=28)
Lower Suncook Lake in Barnstead has recently successfully dealt with its' millfoil problem through a combination of pulling and herbicidal treatment.. .. not to mention BIG bucks. click for article (http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040917/REPOSITORY/409170305/1043/NEWS01)
Just yesterday I read about another serious problem threatenting several Lakes Region lakes (Upper Suncook Lake in Barnstead, Shellcamp Pond and Crystal Lake in Gilmanton and Lee's Pond in Moultonboro)....unacceptable levels of mercury which means you can't eat the fish. What's next?
click here for article (http://www4.citizen.com/September2004/09.23.04/news/concord_09.23_04a.asp)

[Audiofn]

Anyone know the size of that lake? I would guess that it is farly small? I can not see how that is a viable solution for a large lake like Winni. I would think that there are to many streams that feed it and what not?

Jon

[mcdude]

Lower suncook is 215 acres. :cool:

[Onshore]

I believe the 'cure' that folks are referencing is the chemical treatment of milfoil in Lower Suncook Lake in Barnstead. The lake was treated with 2,4-D, a systemic herbicide, in early spring 2004.

This particular chemical has been used in NH for several years, and does not have a track record of eradicating milfoil...nothing does at this point.

The significance of the Suncook Lake study was the level of detail that went into the planning, mapping, and treatment of the lake. Lake association residents mapped nearly every square inch of the lower lake, and using those data, the herbicide applicators did a very thorough treatment that effectively killed back the milfoil this summer.

It is important to note that milfoil root crowns may still be intact in the sediment (which means regrowth next season), even though the chemical is supposed to kill off the rooting systems. This is going to be a wait and see type of scenario. We are hopeful that the treatment eradicated the milfoil, but to date, success stories of full eradication are few and far between in New Hampshire and elsewhere.

Thanks to the fact that this lake has an active lake association, if milfoil regrowth does occur, it is likely that any new re-growth will be hand-pulled by trained divers so as to prevent the liklihood of a re-infestation.

Milfoil 'eradication' is still something that the State is trying to acheive. If this study should prove successful, then more detailed mapping and more directed and intensive treatments will be performed in the future, but time will tell.

As a note, it is ILLEGAL for anyone but licensed applicators to apply ANY herbicide into and adjacent to a waterbody or wetland in New Hampshire. A contractor that was licensed was hired to do the chemical treatment in Suncook Lake. Illegal use of chemicals within a waterbody is subject to a hefty fine, plus there is a strong liklihood that there could also be human or ecological health impacts if a treatment is done by an untrained, unlicensed individual.

For more information on exotic species, Suncook Lake updates, or other items, please visit the Exotic Species Program website at www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies.

For those interested in learning more about the Suncook Lake treatment, the Department of Environmental Services will be hosting a meeting on October 21st at 7pm in the Auditorium at the Department of Environmental Services, 29 Hazen Drive, where the lead contact from Suncook Lake will be making a presentation on their efforts at the lake.

[madrasahs]

1) Why is milfoil "such a problem?"

Winnipesaukee is a relatively cold lake -- and deep. There's little chance milfoil can grow to be the problem it is on Southern lakes, (where some lakes have a consistency of an oatmeal of chlorophyll). But those lakes are warm and shallow.

2) Why isn't mechanical harvesting a viable consideration?

Harvesting is done elsewhere, and since milfoil sequesters nitrogen and phosphorus, those compounds -- as well as the milfoil -- can be removed and used as mulch/fertilizer. (And create jobs).

Is there a better "milfoil-fragmenter" than a Jet-Ski's waterjet propulsion?

3) What are the long-term prospects of milfoil, anyway?

The acreage of forests surrounding Winnipesaukee is being reduced one hillside home after another: siltation, runoff, and fertilizers from hillside development will aid, not hinder milfoil spread.

Not only are more homes being converted to year-round use, a second tier of homes is being built behind the shorefront homes. Those existing homes (and acres) that are forest-friendly are being bulldozed upon their fiftieth anniversary -- and replaced by homes that put more "net organic load" on the lake.

Developers in the Winnipesaukee Basin should be assessed an environmental impact fee.

The long-term effect of "ridge development" is known.

The long-term effect of perpetual 2,4-D isn't known.

IMO

[SIKSUKR]

1)

Is there a better "milfoil-fragmenter" than a Jet-Ski's waterjet propulsion?



IMO
There sure is.YOUR propeller driven outdrives!Think about it.My PWC has a very shallow 6 inch draft.I am pretty sure yours or anybody elses outdrives are a foot or more into the water and when proceeding through the milfoil,most certainly chop up a much bigger amount than I ever will,and you don't even know that what damage you have done.I almost never have milfoil in the intake.If I get even the slightest amount on the intake grate,I can't get any speed because of the cavitation so I take care to avoid it at all costs.This appears to be another baseless accusation to further someones cause against an activity one disagrees with. SS

[Joe Kerr]

Scientists are looking for ways to eradicate the exotic milfoil. They look for chemicals to kill it or stop it from growing. They look for ways to remove it. They look for insects or other creatures that might feed on the plant but not harm the lake. I suggest they examine non-traditional methods to rid the lake of the weed. Find some use for this stuff or make it a desirable product. Can you eat it or cook with it? Make tea? Weave it? Smoke it?

A non-traditional idea, for instance, would be plant grafting. If they could cross milfoil with cannabis sativa their problem would be solved. There would be so many people hand pulling the stuff from the lake that there wouldn't be any left. It would eventually become extinct at best or certainly under control at worst. People will dry it and smoke it and/or sell it. It might even be more pleasant to have around while we wait for this now hybrid weed to become extinct :laugh: .


Cleaning the boat when you take it out of the water and before you launch it (if you trailer the boat) is a help. Other than that and obviously not chopping the milfoil in the water, WHAT else can we do to help with the milfoil situationl?

[Skipper]

The milfoil needs light to grow. What if large, light blocking sheets were placed over milfoil infestations. Early in the growing season a few weeks of no light should kill the milfoil in those light blocked areas, roots and all.

Plant experts, does this have a chance of working?

[mcdude]

The approach of using "light blocker sheets" called bottom barriers is being utilized with some success on Squam Lake. click for more information (http://www.squamlakes.org/sla/milfoil.htm#What%20can%20be%20done) This link also provides some information on proposed legislative action and, as Joe Kerr has asked, suggests some things you can do to help.
For an informative video (Windows Media Player) click on the link below.
Milfoil video: NH's Lakes Under Attack!
High speed Connection (ie 772 kbps DSL, cable modem, satellite) - 33.1 MB file
(approximately 7 minute download time)
Slower Connection (ie 56 kbps modem) - 12.9 MB file
(approximately 44 minute download time)
If the link above doesn't work it can be found below
click for milfoil video (http://www.nhlakes.org/)
For a list of New Hampshire Conservation organizations working to combat invasive species click here (http://www.laundrylist.org/links/newhampshirelinks.htm)

http://www.squamlakes.org/sla/images/milfoil-barrier.jpg
Photo of a bottom barrier on Squam Lake.