Aquatic Species 

ELIA has taken a four-pronged approach in an attempt to control the spread of these invasive plants

• Education with the Clean Boat/Clean Water program

•  Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting – DASH

•  Chemical controls in small areas

•  Volunteer hand pulling

DASH is an environmentally friendly method to remove small areas of invasive plants from the lake. A diver will pull the plant from the bottom and then it is sucked to the surface, captured and safely removed from the waterway.

Chemical controls are regulated by the DNR and must be applied by a licensed applicator. A permit system is used that dictates which plant species may be controlled, the products to be used, the time period and the area where they may be applied. ELIA has only used this method in problem areas too large to hand pull.

Voluntary hand pulling is encouraged as it can target the invasive plant and the plant can be removed from the lake. We have had a workshop teaching interested citizens on the proper technique of hand pulling. It is important to get the root of the plant and to make sure no fragments are left to float away as EWM can propagate through fragments of the plants.

Aquatic Plants – Removal

In Wisconsin, lake associations are restricted from removing native aquatic plants because they are protected under state law to maintain healthy ecosystems. Aquatic plants form the foundation of healthy and flourishing lake ecosystems - both within lakesand rivers and on the shores around them. They not only protect water quality, but they also produce life-giving oxygen. Aquatic plants are a lakes own filtering system, helping to clarify the water by absorbing nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that could stimulate algal blooms. Plant beds stabilize soft lake and reduce shoreline erosion by reducing the effect of waves and current. Healthy native aquatic plant communities help prevent the establishment of invasive non-native plants like Eurasian water-milfoil, purple loosestrife or phragmites.

ELIA uses the methods described above in our four-pronged approach to remove aquatic invasive species (AIS). The following information, from the DNR websites and WDNR_Aquatic Plant Managment is provided to help property owners understand the Wisconsin DNR regulations and their rights to remove aquatic plants.

Wisconsin DNR regulations (NR 109 and NR 107) generally restrict the removal of native aquatic plants and animals to protect ecosystem health. However, riparian owners (lake property owners) may remove native plants without a permit only if using manual methods or hand-held rakes within a single, 30-foot wide designated area.  Extensive, mechanical, or chemical removal requires a permit.

Key Regulations and Requirements:   

• Permit Necessity: A permit is required for any chemical control, or for mechanical removal covering an area larger than 30 feet wide along the shore.

•  Manual Removal Exception: Riparian property owners may remove native plants without a permit if they use hand-held, non-powered tools and stay within a 30-foot width restriction.

•  Protected Habitat: Removal is discouraged in critical habitat areas. Even for manual removal, plants must not be removed from an area that serves as a vital natural resource.

•  Disposal: Removed plants must be removed from the water and disposed of properly on land to prevent them from washing back into the water.

•  Invasive Species Prevention: It is illegal to move native or non-native aquatic plants or animals from one water body to another. All gear, boats, and trailers must be inspected and cleaned of all plant life before leaving a boat landing. 

Important Reminders:

•  Permit Process: If a permit is required, you must submit an application to the DNR, which can take up to 15 working days.

•  Contact Local DNR: Always contact your local DNR aquatic plant management coordinator before initiating any significant removal project.