Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) Management Projects
Taking Action to Protect White Potato Lake
Managing Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) is one of the most important ongoing efforts of the White Potato Lake District. While long-term planning and monitoring are critical, active removal projects play a key role in preventing the spread of invasive species and protecting the lake’s ecological balance.
Each year, the District works with environmental professionals and volunteers to identify priority areas and carry out targeted removal efforts. These projects are designed to address existing infestations while supporting the long-term health of native plant communities.
2024 EWM Removal Project
Over the course of three field days in July and August, professional dive teams focused on high-priority areas identified through prior surveys and local knowledge. These efforts resulted in the removal of approximately 95 cubic feet of invasive EWM, demonstrating both the scale of the issue and the effectiveness of targeted intervention .
The work was concentrated across five primary locations, including the lagoon and multiple shoreline areas where invasive growth had been previously identified. According to the dive site map on page 3 of the report, these included the northeast, northwest, east, and west shorelines, along with the lagoon, allowing crews to systematically address the most impacted areas.
How the Work Was Done
Conditions in the lake presented some challenges. As noted in the report, the organic lakebed substrate created turbidity when root systems were removed, reducing underwater visibility during operations. Despite this, dive teams were able to complete nearly 19 hours of underwater work across multiple sites .
By returning to the same locations later in the season, crews were able to confirm that EWM levels had been significantly reduced in previously treated areas.
Results and Impact
The majority of invasive plant material removed came from key problem areas, with the lagoon alone accounting for a substantial portion of the total removal. According to the summary table on page 2, more than half of the removed EWM—approximately 56 cubic feet—was concentrated in this area, highlighting the importance of focused management efforts .
Other shoreline areas showed smaller but still important concentrations, with removal efforts helping to prevent further spread into surrounding parts of the lake. Follow-up visits confirmed that previously treated sites showed noticeably reduced EWM presence.
Ongoing Strategy and Next Steps
Continued surveying and early detection will be critical in identifying new growth before it becomes widespread. Future projects will build on the success of current efforts, using data collected through the Aquatic Plant Management Plan to guide where and how resources are deployed.
Working Together to Protect the Lake
Protecting White Potato Lake requires consistent attention and collaboration. By continuing to invest in both active management and long-term planning, the District is working to ensure that the lake remains healthy, balanced, and enjoyable for generations to come.