Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive lake weed known to choke out native weeds and impede boating and swimming, has been discovered growing in McCormack Lake near Chisholm, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday.
After initial reports, DNR experts scoured the lake and found the invasive underwater plant in all 36 survey locations around the small lake. The plants were mature and varied in length from 12 to 36 inches, and were growing near shore in water depths of one to eight feet.
Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers and make water recreation difficult. The plant already has overtaken many popular southern Minnesota lakes.
Boaters who use McCormack Lake are urged to be extra thorough when looking for and removing aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment. All boaters are required by state law to remove all weeds from their boats and trailers when leaving all lakes and rivers.
