Eurasian Water Milfoil - An Invasive Species:

Eurasian Water Milfoil is a submersed aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.  It is an invasive species meaning that it is a non-native nuisance species.  It is widely distributed and difficult to control.  The introduction of milfoil can drastically alter a lake or pond’s ecology.  Milfoil forms dense mats on the surface where it can interfere with light penetration and oxygen consumption.  It can also deter recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. 

Milfoil begins its growth in the spring earlier than native aquatic plants.  This means that the milfoil will take up root space and shade out beneficial aquatic plants from growing in the ecosystem.  Eurasian Water Milfoil is difficult to control because it is able to reproduce through plant fragmentation.  This is why it should not be physically raked from the water as small stems left behind can form a new plant. 

There are control materials that can be used to kill the plant and roots and allow other plants to establish.  Some effective products are:  Reward, Navigate, and Sonar.