APLC - Eurasian Watemilfoil

lake

In the summer of 2013, we detected the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Ludger, near the boat launch and in nearby bays.

What is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)?

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a perennial aquatic plant of the genus Myriophyllum that grows in aquatic plant beds. It is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. This plant is invasive and if it spreads it would be difficult to control, particularly in lakes. The Eurasian watermilfoil completely crowds out native plants, alters natural habitats and deteriorates water quality.

PDF informative document

Problems caused by the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil

RAPID SPREAD	It spreads very quickly, mostly by fragmentation. The fragments are artificially created when human activities or even the action of wind, waves or duck feet break the stems.
DRINKING WATER	Its presence even causes taste and odor problems in drinking water supplies.
NAUTICAL TRAFFIC	Boats passing through a Eurasian watermilfoil infested area represents a high risk of fragmentation, caused by the oars, the keel or the propeller. Furthermore, the resulting fragments in the water can be transported by the wind and currents from one part of the lake to the other, and even to another body of water through the tributaries. The fragments can also stay attached to any boats and can survive during several weeks if kept humid, representing a high potential of spread to other watersheds.
SHORELINE BANKS	After a storm or during the decomposition stage of the plant, the beaches and shoreline banks can become littered with decomposing vegetation. These sites become less attractive for those using the water and their maintenance cost increases.
SWIMMING	The presence of thick mats of Eurasian watermilfoil makes swimming less appealing and even represents a danger for swimmers, increasing the risks of drowning since their legs can become entangled in the stems.
PROPERTY VALUE	The resale value of lakefront properties could take a significant hit (up to 50% or more) because of the lakes becoming visually less attractive and all the problems resulting from this plants presence.

Ref :
ftp://ftp.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/Public/Bibliointer/Mono/2011/06/0920649.pdf
http://www.creat08.ca/even_plantes/5.htm

The APLC has taken immediate action in collaboration with the Municipality of Lantier

The hiring of divers to uproot some of the Eurasian watermilfoil plants

Actions to be pursued by the APLC

Accompany the divers to continue the uprooting of Eurasian watermilfoil plant
Monitoring of Lakes Ludger and Cardin to detect any presence of Eurasian watermilfoil in new areas
Pursue its collaboration with the Municipality to find additional solutions
Work in collaboration with the Municipality in regards to controlling access to the boat launch
Update of the code of ethics for the protection of the lakes
Additional buoys installed to mark out forbidden zones and to protect the shores and sediments

The presence of Eurasian watermilfoil is a SERIOUS situation and it can become CATASTROPHIC if we don’t take short-term measures.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT, YOUR COLLABORATION AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT.

THE BEST WAY TO HELP US IS TO

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE APLC

And respect our CODE OF CONDUCT

Your membership is very important to us. By becoming a member of the APLC, you give us strength and legitimacy to promote your interests to the Municipality.

Becoming a member is an important gesture. Your commitment confirms our mandate and the actions we must take to defend and protect the quality of life at the lake and thus collectively reach that objective. Your membership means one more voice to protect the quality of our lakes.

The goal of the APLC is to ensure the well being of its members properties and TO be the official representative of the lake residents with the Municipality and government authorities.

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