Welcome to CHAPTER 6 of our educational series,
"Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
Weeds are generally defined as plants that grow where they are not wanted and often compete with desired vegetation. “Weeds” are one of the most asked about topics regarding Eagle Lake. In the past we thought all lake plants were problematic, but we have learned that many aquatic plants actually help the health of our lake. Let's take a closer look at this.
Native Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants act as Eagle Lake's natural filtration system, improving water clarity by absorbing nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen that contribute to algal blooms. Native plant beds also play a crucial role in stabilizing soft lake bottoms and protecting shorelines from erosion by diminishing the impact of waves and currents.
Invasive Aquatic Plants
Invasive weeds like Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed frequently dominate Eagle Lake. Mild winters with shorter periods of full ice coverage create favorable conditions for invasive aquatic plants, as the lack of prolonged ice allows for earlier and more robust growth in the spring. This extended growing season gives invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil a competitive advantage, enabling them to spread more aggressively and outcompete native plants. In addition, the high volume of recreational boating in Wisconsin facilitates the easy spread of invasive aquatic plant species from one lake to another, making it essential to leverage some of the Eagle Lake Management District’s programs to proactively prevent new infestations and protect the lake’s ecosystem.
Chemical Treatments: ELMD applies for a permit each year from the DNR, for the chemical treatment and control of nuisance & invasive aquatic vegetation in Eagle Lake. Treatments typically occur between April 1st and September 30th to predetermined, surveyed locations, within Eagle Lake.
ELMD-News page
Harvesting: From early June through early fall, ELMD-employed workers operate on weekdays to harvest invasive and nuisance aquatic weeds. Additionally, the ELMD provides a shoreline crew to assist property owners with the removal of floating invasive plants that may accumulate during the harvesting season. The Management District operates two harvesters to cut and collect weeds in problematic areas around the lake. These harvesting efforts are approved by the DNR and adhere to an authorized harvesting plan and map. Once gathered, the weeds are off-loaded at shore conveyor sites and transported for use as agricultural mulch and fertilizer.
ELMD-Harvesting page
Clean Boats Clean Waters: The Clean Boats Clean Waters program, or CBCW, is a watercraft inspections program run by the Eagle Lake Management District with assistance from the Eagle Lake Improvement Association and funding provided through a DNR Surface Waters Grant. Eagle Lake boasts one of the longest running CBCW programs in the state. Paid staff educate boaters on invasive species risks, conduct boat and trailer inspections, survey boating habits, distribute brochures, report specimens, and log data into the DNR state-wide database. While we already have many challenges with weeds, this program has to date prevented other species from entering our lake.
ELMD-CBCW page
Weed Harvesting Removes More Than Just Weeds
The Eagle Lake community recognizes and appreciates the ongoing efforts of the Eagle Lake Management District. The weed harvesting program plays a key role in maintaining navigable boating lanes and enhancing the lake’s appearance by managing floating vegetation and weed mats. Through the water testing program (ELPP), our understanding of macrophytes—large aquatic plants essential to lake health—has grown, highlighting their role in water quality. Macrophytes not only provide habitat and food for aquatic life but also absorb excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. This means that ELMD harvesters may not only be removing invasive plants but also extracting phosphorus, contributing to nutrient reduction. If confirmed, this process could become a vital tool in controlling excessive nutrient levels. This season, the ELPP will work with Dr. Dijkstra to further study macrophyte removal as a critical element in efforts to improve water quality and maintain ecological balance. Incorporating harvesting yields and nutrient content may refine the strategies for protecting and sustaining Eagle Lake’s ecosystem.
Thank you for visiting CHAPTER 6 of our educational series,
"Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
"Chemical Treatments" Eagle Lake Management District
https://www.eaglelakemd.org/blog-1, Accessed 30 Mar 2025
"Harvesting" Eagle Lake Management District
https://www.eaglelakemd.org/harvesting, Accessed 30 Mar 2025
"CBCW" Eagle Lake Management District
https://www.eaglelakemd.org/clean-boats-clean-water-program, Accessed 31 Mar 2025
"Pond Weed ID Page" ProPond and Lakes
https://propondandlakes.com/pond-weed-id-page, Accessed 30 Mar 2025
DISCLAIMER:
We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this educational series, utilizing publicly accessible data, evaluations, and imagery from the internet. Any statements that may be perceived as opinions are solely those of the Eagle Lake Improvement Association.
