Eurasian watermilfoil
prevention initiatives at Henrys Lake
Henrys Lake
Eurasian watermilfoil
Alert
Why is it a problem?
Henrys Lake has exceptional native aquatic vegetation. It supports a thriving ecosystem that sustains the lake’s highly productive fisheries. Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive aquatic plant that can grow in water depths up to 33 feet. It can form dense mats which congest waterways and crowds out native aquatic plants.
In addition, it’s thick growth impairs recreational uses of waterways including boating, swimming, and fishing. The dense growth infested waterways leads to declining water quality and results in poor habitat of native fish and wildlife.
How does it spread?
Eurasian watermilfoil is spread by plant fragments. Fragments can end up
being accidentally introduced into a new lake. Carriers of these
fragments are boats, motors, trailers, live wells, bait buckets, or
fishing gear. These fragments can stay alive for weeks if they remain
wet. Once established they may be carried by wind and water currents
spreading throughout the lake.
Eurasian watermilfoil is established in Northern and Western Idaho. It has not yet been found in Henrys Lake. However, the lake is considered “susceptible water”. The Fremont County Weed Control has launched an initiative aimed at preventing the inadvertent introduction of Eurasian watermilfoil into the lake. This initiative includes public education, aquatic vegetation surveys, boater interviews, and boat/ trailer inspections and washes. The effort is funded by the Idaho Department of Agriculture.
What can you do to help protect Henrys Lake?
The best way to control Eurasian watermilfoil is to prevent the weed from spreading to new areas.
· Before entering any new waters inspect and clean boats, trailers, float tubes, and other watercraft. This prevents spreading it into other bodies of water.
· Pump your bilge before entering new waters. Eurasian watermilfoil will stay alive in the bilge water of your boat.
· Learn to identify Eurasian watermilfoil and native milfoils.
· Find out where Eurasian watermilfoil is known to occur. If you boat in these waters, take all appropriate prevention measures.
· Participate in the Henrys Lake Eurasian watermilfoil initiative. Click Volunteer to help out.
Spread the word about Eurasian watermilfoil to neighbors and friends who use our rivers and lakes.
New at Henrys Lake
Boat Washes
Free boat and float tube washes are offered daily at the Henrys Lake State Park and Bill Frome County Park on the Lake. High pressure washers are also available at Wild Rose, the IDFG Henrys Lake Fish Hatchery, and the Henrys Lake State Park.
The boat washes take only seconds. To preview a boat wash your computer must have apple quick time. Click on the following to see a boat wash. Henrys Lake Boat Wash.
Boater Surveys
Throughout the summer, project staff will ask a series of survey questions enabling them to track possible invasive fragments and prevent spreading. They will also be able to answer any questions and provide further information about Eurasian watermilfoil.
To see the survey you will be filling out click on the following words: Boater Survey
Lake Monitoring and Sampling
So far no Eurasian
watermilfoil has been found on the lake. However, native milfoil
is abundant and unusually healthy. Native milfoil is not a threat
to Henrys Lake, but looks very similar to Eurasian watermilfoil.
Sampling and collections will continue throughout the summer. If
Eurasian watermilfoil is found, special precautions will be taken.
Fremont county and High Country RC&D thank you for your efforts and
support.
Native watermilfoil is on the right.
Take Notice. Take Action.
Take Responsibility.
For more information contact Fremont County Weed Control Supervisor, Bryce Fowler, by phone: (208) 624-3102 or (208) 709-2181
Project Funded by the Idaho Department of Agriculture.
_________________________________________________________________
If you would like to be added to our contact databases for further information on the prevention efforts and survey results please submit your address.
To be added to the Henrys Lake Eurasian watermilfoil updates contact list please email your name and email address to hcountryrcd@gmail.com