HAZELHURST, Wis. (WSAU) – A well-known Northwoods lake has dodged a bullet, for now, even though Eurasian water milfoil was found on a launching dock two weeks ago.
Follow up tests showed the waters of Katherine Lake were not infected with the invasive plant.
The plant, which is the only non-native milfoil in Wisconsin, first arrived here from Europe in the 1960s. It grows more quickly in heavily used lakes like Katherine Lake, which is easily seen from Highway 51 in Hazelhurst.
Oneida County's aquatic invasive species coordinator is recommending that the lake association step up checks for the plant and any other invasive species. Officials have a better chance of stopping the plant or other invasive species the sooner they're found.
If it takes hold, the plant can shade out native plants and disrupt predator-prey relationships by fencing out larger fish. It can also threaten recreational activities like boating, swimming and fishing.
On the Web: Eurasian water milfoil
(Thanks for help Ken Krall, WXPR-Rhinelander)
