07-18-2007, 09:10 PM
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the discovery of Eurasian watermilfoil in six new lakes, all but one of which are within 50 miles of the Twin Cities.
Eurasian watermilfoil, or simply milfoil, is now known to occur in 197 bodies of water in the state since it was discovered in the late 1980s.
The majority of infested water bodies are in central and north-central Minnesota, according to Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Program coordinator.
The following lakes have been added to the list of Minnesota waters infested with invasive species: Kimball Lake, Crow Wing County; Maple Lake, Wright County; Spectacle Lake, Isanti County; McMahon Lake, Scott County; and Big Lake, Sherburne County.
In addition, milfoil was discovered in one body of water with no public water access: Wilmes Lake, Washington County.
The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Despite finding more evidence of the plant's spread, DNR officials said milfoil is still known in fewer than 200 lakes across the state, thanks to continued vigilance by boaters.
The DNR urges boaters to continue to take precautions to avoid spreading the plant
Eurasian watermilfoil, or simply milfoil, is now known to occur in 197 bodies of water in the state since it was discovered in the late 1980s.
The majority of infested water bodies are in central and north-central Minnesota, according to Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Program coordinator.
The following lakes have been added to the list of Minnesota waters infested with invasive species: Kimball Lake, Crow Wing County; Maple Lake, Wright County; Spectacle Lake, Isanti County; McMahon Lake, Scott County; and Big Lake, Sherburne County.
In addition, milfoil was discovered in one body of water with no public water access: Wilmes Lake, Washington County.
The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Despite finding more evidence of the plant's spread, DNR officials said milfoil is still known in fewer than 200 lakes across the state, thanks to continued vigilance by boaters.
The DNR urges boaters to continue to take precautions to avoid spreading the plant