EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL and White Sand Lake
(Myriophyllum spicatum)
Eurasian Watermilfoil is a submersed, rooted aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was first reported in the United States in the 1880s and Wisconsin in the 1960s. Eurasian Watermilfoil can reproduce via fragmentation, meaning a single stem fragment introduced to a waterbody could take root and establish a new population. Although it is present in almost every county in Wisconsin, it has only been verified in less than 10 percent of waterbodies statewide.
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Can you spot Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) at the surface of the lake?
August 2026: Yes—but only if you are very close to, or directly over, an established bed of EWM. By the time you can see it, you are already close enough to risk chopping the plants with your propeller or hull. Even small fragments can attach to the underside of your boat or trailer and be transported to another part of the lake—or even to your own shoreline—where they can take root and spread.
The photos below were taken in July 2026, when EWM was in bloom and extending above the water’s surface. During this stage, the plant produces flower spikes that release seeds, which are dispersed by wind and wave action, further contributing to the spread of this invasive species.
The best way to help is simple: Avoid boating through known EWM beds, stay in deeper water whenever possible, and always inspect and clean your boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.
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Moving your boat?
Clean boats, Clean waters–It’s the Law!
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lakes/cbcw
The Manitowish Waters chain of lakes, Gunlock and Shishebogama Lakes all have Curly-leaf Pondweed. WSL does NOT–let’s NOT bring this AIS to WSL!
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Assist:
If you believe you have found EWM, please collect a six-inch sample, place it in a zip-top bag, and have it identified by the Tribal Natural Resources Department (TNR):
Tribal Natural Resources Department
1095 Old Abe Road
Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
You may also contact Gabe Bowman, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, at gbowman@ldftribe.com or (715) 904-1664.
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We are not alone. What is happening elsewhere?
If you believe you have found EWM, please collect a six-inch sample, place it in a zip-top bag, and have it identified by the Tribal Natural Resources Department (TNR).
FYI: Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association has a fundraising goal for 2027 of $170,000 to fight EWM in their lakes.
Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association
