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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/6392| Title: | Ecological considerations in the management of Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota |
| Authors: | Barko, John W. McFarland, Dwilette G. Smith, Craig S., Biologist |
| Keywords: | Aquatic plant control Eurasian watermilfoil Minnetonka, Lake (Minn.) Myriophyllum spicatum Aquatic ecology Environmental management Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.) |
| Publisher: | U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report (Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.)) ; no.Technical Report A-91-3 |
| Abstract: | Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) is a troublesome aquatic weed that has recently invaded Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. Many factors influence invasion by Eurasian watermilfoil, including sediment fertility, water clarity, and the nature, extent, and frequency of disturbances to submersed plant beds. Replacement of established populations of native plant species by Eurasian watermilfoil is common, but not universal. Dense beds of the aggressive exotic watermilfoil interfere with recreation and can influence nutrient cycling and the quality of fish and invertebrate habitat. Although Eurasian watermilfoil is new to Lake Minnetonka, aquatic plant and algal control has been practiced in the lake for many years. Until recently, herbicides were the predominant plant control technique used in the lake. Harvesting has increased dramatically in the last few years and will probably become the primary means of watermilfoil control. A number of Eurasian watermilfoil management strategies are possible. Eradication of Eurasian watermilfoil from Lake Minnetonka is precluded by the large, well-established population of the species already present. Eradication of small, newly established populations in other nearby water bodies may be possible, although difficult. Selection of an appropriate watermilfoil management strategy will require the formulation of a detailed management plan for the lake. |
| Description: | Technical Report |
| Gov't Doc #: | Technical Report A-91-3 |
| Rights: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/6392 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR-A-91-3.pdf | Technical Report A-91-3 | 12.81 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |