HOW DOES EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL SPREAD?
Eurasian watermilfoil plants spread naturally through stem fragments and underground runners. Accidental cutting of the plants can start new plants when the fragments are transported by watercraft or on waves and currents to new areas where they can root and grow. Aquatic weeds (macrophytes) caught on a boat trailer at a Lake St. Clair boat access. Ladd Johnson NOAA/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory HOW CAN YOU HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL? Eurasian watermilfoil may become tangled in boat propellers, transducers, trim tabs, bow lines, fishing nets, and on trailers. Actions you take as a responsible boater are critical in preventing the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil to other Minnesota waters. Before leaving a lake or river: • INSPECT and REMOVE all aquatic plants and animals • DRAIN water from motors, live wells and bait containers • DISPOSE of unwanted live bait on land • RINSE your boat and equipment with hot (104°F) high pressure tap water or • DRY y
