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Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these
waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"John Wentworth" wrote in message ... I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. Once established does it regrow on its own every year after the winter freeze? I've never heard of it, but I have not done much freshwater fishing or boating for many years. Eisboch |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"John Wentworth" wrote in message
... I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. NY State and private organizations are ready to try almost anything. What actually happens depends on who's got the most influence. On Waneta & Lamoka lakes (which nobody's heard of, but anyway), bass & pike fisherman want the weeds left alone. These two lakes generate pretty much zero tourist dollars, so residents have a hard time convincing the DEC to permit the use of chemicals to limit the weed. Then, there are plans like the one below, from Saranac Lake, where tourism generates probably 95% of the income in the area: Applicant: Michael R. Martin, CLM for Mountain View Association Cedar Eden Environmental, LLC RR 1 Box 187 Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983 Phone: 518-891-6916 Fax: 518-891-6984 Office: Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99, Route 86 Ray Brook, NY 12977 Phone: (518) 891-4050 Contact: Richard D. Jarvis Application No.: 2002-5 Project Title: Physical control program for milfoil in Mountain View and Indian Lakes Location: Mountain View and Indian Lakes, Town of Bellmont, Franklin County, near Co. Rt. 27 Comment Period Ends: June 6, 2002 Project Description: A regulated wetland activity: proposed 10-year management and control program for Eurasian Watermilfoil in Mountain View and Indian Lakes. Milfoil will be selectively hand harvested in water depths of 2 meters or less. Control efforts may also involve use of suction harvesting and selective placement of benthic mats in areas of dense beds of milfoil. Annual target areas will be areas with greatest abundance of milfoil and areas with highest potential to fragment and spread milfoil. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"John Wentworth" wrote in message ... I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. It doesn't sound encouraging .... http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pl...s/milfoil.html Eisboch |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
... I like what they do out in the Midwest - like WI and MI and MN. At a lot of boat launches, they have rinse grates where you can pull your boat, trailer prior to launch and after launch - the waste water is contained and any weeds stay there for later recovery. I think that might be a good program for some of the larger lakes in the NE. If only that had happened before zebra mussels got out of hand around here... |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:20:51 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: NY State and private organizations are ready to try almost anything. What actually happens depends on who's got the most influence. On Waneta & Lamoka lakes (which nobody's heard of, but anyway), bass & pike fisherman want the weeds left alone. These two lakes generate pretty much zero tourist dollars, so residents have a hard time convincing the DEC to permit the use of chemicals to limit the weed. Herbicides are not the sole answer. Harvesting and mat bedding can help and if the waterfront owners are that concerned, they can hand harvest and dispose if it bothers them that much. The other issue is that fisherman love the stuff because it does provide solid cover for a lot of sport fish - pike/bass/muskie, etc. Too much milfoil though and the free oxygen levels drop and there goes the fish. It's a combination issue - you need on the one hand to harvest and dispose and on the other hand, maintain some for a really good healthy lake. The funny thing about this is that when milfoil finally showed up at a local pond, the stocked tiger muksie and pike suddenly got huge - in two seasons, they exploded almost doubling their mature size. Apparently the cover helped out by cooling the lake, providing ambush sites, etc. Then when the milfoil became a issue, all of a sudden the pike started to down size again, There was a harvest cycle and the size went up again. I'm telling you, good weed management is the only answer - not killing all the weeds. They are beneficial if kept under control. Indeed as the weeds provide cover for a variety of fish. Ohio's solution is mechanical control. Not a problem in Lake Erie but perhaps some inland lakes. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:41:30 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message . .. I like what they do out in the Midwest - like WI and MI and MN. At a lot of boat launches, they have rinse grates where you can pull your boat, trailer prior to launch and after launch - the waste water is contained and any weeds stay there for later recovery. I think that might be a good program for some of the larger lakes in the NE. If only that had happened before zebra mussels got out of hand around here... What exactly is the problem with zebra mussels anyway? They multiply quite fast and can cause havoc with water intake pipes. For example, they can clog water intake pipes at our municipal water plants on Lake Erie, as well as cooling water intakes for our electric generating plants. They are also can clog cooling water intakes on I/O's when the motors are not run regularly. Lastly, they cause pretty nasty cuts on your feet if you step on them while wading through the water. When I went fishing and swimming in the St. Lawrence Seaway, I loved the clear water and the smallmouth fishing was spectacular. I had a huge pike follow a streamer for a good distance and I watched him the whole way - a good 50/60 feet before he took the bait. Seems to me the clear water is a good thing. To a point. See my earlier comments. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
... On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:20:51 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: NY State and private organizations are ready to try almost anything. What actually happens depends on who's got the most influence. On Waneta & Lamoka lakes (which nobody's heard of, but anyway), bass & pike fisherman want the weeds left alone. These two lakes generate pretty much zero tourist dollars, so residents have a hard time convincing the DEC to permit the use of chemicals to limit the weed. Herbicides are not the sole answer. Harvesting and mat bedding can help and if the waterfront owners are that concerned, they can hand harvest and dispose if it bothers them that much. The other issue is that fisherman love the stuff because it does provide solid cover for a lot of sport fish - pike/bass/muskie, etc. Too much milfoil though and the free oxygen levels drop and there goes the fish. It's a combination issue - you need on the one hand to harvest and dispose and on the other hand, maintain some for a really good healthy lake. The funny thing about this is that when milfoil finally showed up at a local pond, the stocked tiger muksie and pike suddenly got huge - in two seasons, they exploded almost doubling their mature size. Apparently the cover helped out by cooling the lake, providing ambush sites, etc. Then when the milfoil became a issue, all of a sudden the pike started to down size again, There was a harvest cycle and the size went up again. I'm telling you, good weed management is the only answer - not killing all the weeds. They are beneficial if kept under control. I agree with all of this. And, the weeds apparently don't matter to some boaters, who (as far as I can tell) never get their props inundated with the stuff because they leave the dock at full throttle and return the same way. Or something. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
... On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:41:30 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message . .. I like what they do out in the Midwest - like WI and MI and MN. At a lot of boat launches, they have rinse grates where you can pull your boat, trailer prior to launch and after launch - the waste water is contained and any weeds stay there for later recovery. I think that might be a good program for some of the larger lakes in the NE. If only that had happened before zebra mussels got out of hand around here... What exactly is the problem with zebra mussels anyway? When I went fishing and swimming in the St. Lawrence Seaway, I loved the clear water and the smallmouth fishing was spectacular. I had a huge pike follow a streamer for a good distance and I watched him the whole way - a good 50/60 feet before he took the bait. Seems to me the clear water is a good thing. You should see what it does to pipes, like those used at power plants. I agree about the St. Lawrence, though. I've never seen smallmouth that big. Best fishing I've done since Montauk. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
John Wentworth wrote:
I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. About 25 years ago in the Potomac River which runs by DC on the West side there was a Hydrila(sp?) problem. The fear was that it was going to choke off all of the sun light. Fish were going to die en masse. People invented Hyrdrila harvesting machines to remove the perceived offending vegetation. All of the efforts to remove the Hydrila failed and the stuff was left to grow. The Hydrila patches proved a boon to the hatching and maturing of fish. The population of fish jumped. The bass loved the stuff and the carp really loved eating it. Now, the Potomac river is doing just fine. But, we now have the Snake Head fish in some of the tributaries of the Potomac. Good luck. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... I like what they do out in the Midwest - like WI and MI and MN. At a lot of boat launches, they have rinse grates where you can pull your boat, trailer prior to launch and after launch - the waste water is contained and any weeds stay there for later recovery. I think that might be a good program for some of the larger lakes in the NE. If only that had happened before zebra mussels got out of hand around here... From what we learned on our great norther circle vacation a few years ago the zebra mussels in the St. Lawrence enable the water to be cleaned in 3 days versus the 30 days before it was unintentionally introduced. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
John Wentworth wrote: I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. In western NY, Finger Lakes region, there are two lakes close to Keuka, which are Waneta and Lamoka. In Waneta the actually have a thing going regarding spraying for milfoil, and it's working. You can do a web search for more info, here's a start: http://www.lamokawaneta.com/ |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Eisboch" wrote in message ... "John Wentworth" wrote in message ... I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil. There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake. When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it. What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England. Once established does it regrow on its own every year after the winter freeze? I've never heard of it, but I have not done much freshwater fishing or boating for many years. Eisboch Yes, Eurasian Water Milfoil is quite a problem in Minnesota, where it still freezes in the winter. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 17:02:01 -0400, " JimH" not telling you @ pffftt.com wrote: They multiply quite fast and can cause havoc with water intake pipes. For example, they can clog water intake pipes at our municipal water plants on Lake Erie, as well as cooling water intakes for our electric generating plants. They are also can clog cooling water intakes on I/O's when the motors are not run regularly. Lastly, they cause pretty nasty cuts on your feet if you step on them while wading through the water. So why not just clean them on a regular basis? They do. But the result is an extra maintenance cost. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 20:51:12 +0000, Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
What exactly is the problem with zebra mussels anyway? When I went fishing and swimming in the St. Lawrence Seaway, I loved the clear water and the smallmouth fishing was spectacular. I had a huge pike follow a streamer for a good distance and I watched him the whole way - a good 50/60 feet before he took the bait. Seems to me the clear water is a good thing. Maybe, but clear water is just one of the mussel's impacts. The filtering of algae is the cause of the clearer waters. That same algae that is a food source for herring, smelt, and alewives. Which, in turn, are the food source for the larger game fish we chase. When an invasive species takes over, as the zebra mussel has, the ecosystem is put out of balance. It seems to me, it is still too early to say whether the zebra mussel's invasion is a good thing or a bad thing. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
I like what they do out in the Midwest - like WI and MI and MN. At a lot of boat launches, they have rinse grates where you can pull your boat, trailer prior to launch and after launch - the waste water is contained and any weeds stay there for later recovery. I think that might be a good program for some of the larger lakes in the NE. Briefly, i n Wisconsin the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offer training to help concerned citizens how to identify a variety of invasives, including Asian Milfoil. Some grånts also are available to lake districts to initiate lake inspection programs and volunteers are recruited to do boat and trailer inspections, especially during periods of high traffic. Someone mentioned earlier, I believe, that there are native milfoil varieties that are beneficial. The problem with the invasive variety is that it kill all other forms of vegitation and destroys natural habitat. And it's true that runoff from shoreland and lawns that are overly developed are equally a threat to habitat. It's interesting that many people destroy the very features that attracted them to lake country in the first place. Good luck. If you want more on Wisconsin's programs you might want to visit our DNR's website at: www:dnr.wi.gov. |
Milfoil in freshwater lakes and rivers
It doesn't sound encouraging .... http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pl...s/milfoil.html Eisboch That information from Washington is similar to here in New Hampshire. There is basic disagreement about what to do, and who should pay for the program. Our Fish & Game department is reluctant to approve wide-spread use of herbicides (2,4,D), and the other methods suggested by Washington are very expensive and don't work all that well. Economic damage, in the form of reduced property tax revenues, may prove to be the incentive needed to get local and state governments to take action against milfoil. Just recently I heard of a waterfront property owner on our largest lake who got a 25% reduction in his land assessment because of milfoil in the water. That will be a significant loss in tax revenue for his town. New Hampshire towns do love to tax waterfront properties; the owners are typically "out-of-staters" who can't vote in the town, and, at best, are simply tolerated by the locals. The loss of this cash cow may encourage towns to get interested in milfoil. I would be interested to hear about a state that is using 2,4,D in a major program. |
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