Why Manage the Invasive Weeds in McDill?

Managing invasive weeds at McDill Pond is essential to safeguarding its ecosystem and recreational benefits.

Originally introduced through human activities, these weeds, including Eurasian milfoil, threaten native plants and wildlife.

1. If left unchecked, invasive weeds can grow up to 15 feet, covering much of McDill Pond's shoreline.

2. These mats block sunlight, harming native plants, invertebrates, and small animals.

3. They also reduce spawning habitats for fish and disrupt the pond's overall biodiversity.

4. Eurasian watermilfoil forms dense mats on the water surface, interfering with recreational activities, displacing native vegetation, causing flooding, and clogging water intakes.

5. It can infest an entire lake quickly and provides poor habitat and a low-quality food source.

6. Mats of vegetation provide good mosquito habitat.

Over the past decade, McDill Pond has utilized targeted herbicide treatments to effectively control invasive weeds while preserving native biodiversity.

Looking ahead, newer treatments like ProcellaCOR show promise with reduced environmental impacts. McDill Pond remains committed to sustainable management practices that balance weed control with the preservation of a vibrant ecosystem for community enjoyment and ecological health.

What Is Eurasian watermilfoil?

Eurasian watermilfoil is a submersed plant that grows in a variety of still and flowing freshwater bodies. It can tolerate a range of salinity, acidity, and temperature. Watermilfoil forms dense mats that shade native aquatic plants, inhibit water flow, and hamper recreation.

What Are Its Characteristics?

• The plant roots on the bottom of a water body and mainly grows underwater.

• Leaves grow in sets of four (or rarely five) arranged around a stem.

• Reddish flower spikes emerge a few inches above the water with small pinkish flowers and one short leaf below each flower.

How Do I Distinguish It From Native Species?

Eurasian watermilfoil may be distinguished from native milfoils by the arrangement of its 1 inch- to 1 1/2-inch-long leaves in whorls of four around stems that are reddish or green in summer. It typically has more leaflet pairs per leaf (14-21) than native milfoils. The plant also may be confused with the invasive parrotfeather.