Northwest, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has found an invasive plant called Eurasian watermilfoil in five northwest Iowa lakes. Eurasian watermilfoil can grow up to 20 feet tall, spreads rapidly and crowds out native plants that grow underwater. Mike Hawkins of the Iowa DNR says the plant was first found in Lost Island Lake on August 1st.
Teams have already treated the four areas of Lost Island Lake where the invasive plant was spotted.
The DNR now confirms the plant is growing in four of the seven Iowa Great Lakes. Hawkins says the natural lakes are in good shape to resist the spread of this plant.
The initial treatment plan for both Lower and Upper Gar, East Okoboji and Minnewashta Lakes will focus on the areas around boat ramps, to make sure the plant is killed in an area where it could be taken to another location.
Washing boats and trailers after leaving a lake and letting them dry for five days helps keep invasive species from spreading. Hawkins says frequent surveys have been done on other nearby lakes, but so far the plant hasn’t been found elsewhere.
