Invasives

Control Practices for Invasive Plants and Animals

2015 Aquatic Plant Survey

MAPS Boat Washes to stem spread of Invasive Species:

Follow this website to know when and where
Michigan’s Clean Boats Clean Waters Initiative

The Challenge

“Native plants are lifelines for an aquatic ecosystem, providing the basis for all life within it. Fish both live in the plant environment and use it for a food source. Plus the plants help to take up excess nutrients that can turn the lake green with algae.

The problem lies with invasive (non-native) plants. These plants have no natural predators and other things that can keep them in check and therefore out-compete native plants, lowering the water body’s aquatic diversity.”

“Even if we cannot keep the plants out completely, prevention can prevent a lot widespread damage. By being proactive, prevention gives us time to adopt new control methods as they are developed in the future. Sometimes it not a matter of if, but when; but the longer we keep invasives out of a lake, the longer we put off the enormous costs of management and property devaluation or reduce them significantly if they do arrive.”

Source: “Michigan Clean Boats Clean Waters — Volunteer Hero Guide,” Michigan State University Extension

Invasion Species Found in 2015 Aquatic Plant Survey

As part of the Mullett Lake Partial Aquatic Species Survey of 2015, the following types of invasive species were found at the 4 locations surveyed (Pidgeon River Bay, Aloha State Park, Mullett Lake Marina and Mullett Creek Bay).

mullett_lake_partial_aquatic_plant_survey_2015_summary (PDF to Download and Print the entire Survey Results – 50 pages)

1. Curly Leaf Pondweed

Survey found as much as 1/6 acre of this invasive species was found at Pidgeon River Bay. It came up attached to the survey equipment that was used.

It was also found at Aloha State Park in 2 locations. Along with Eurasian Watermilfoil.

2. Eurasian Watermilfoil

Found at Aloha State Park at heavy density and all around docks at Mullett Lake Marina from moderate to heavy density.

3. Muskgrass Mix

Muskgrass was found at all of the sites surveyed in 2015 with a large concentration at Mullett Lake Marina.

In comparison, Muskgrass Mix was found at 67% of the sites surveyed in 2007.

4. Purple Loosestrife

Controlling the spread of purple loosestrife is crucial to protecting vital fish, wildlife and native plant habitat, as is with all Invasive Species.

During the survey a stretch of 1500 square feet was found in moderate density along Mullett Creek Bay as shown below.

For a comprehensive Purple Loosestrife Identification and Removal Guide click HERE.

5. Phragmites

Phragmites are another invasive species that is a big challenge to Michigan water systems. Proper Identification and Removal information can be found HERE.