Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Plan

Eurasian watermilfoil is a non-native aquatic plant that currently infests a number of Vermont lakes. This plant is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread, which can lead to significant problems within a lake. Commonly found in shallow bays and along the shoreline, milfoil forms dense beds that can seriously impair the recreational use of a lake, reduce the availability of fish spawning grounds, out-compete beneficial native plants, and otherwise alter a lake's natural environment.

Eurasian watermilfoil reproduces almost exclusively by fragments, broken stem pieces that can drift away, sink, develop roots, and grow into new plants. This fragmentation occurs both naturally and as a result of human activity. Human recreational activities usually account for the spread of non-native aquatic plants and animals between lakes. Fragments of aquatic plants cling to the propellers of boat motors or to boat trailers and, if not removed, can start new populations when the boat is launched into another waterbody.

To stop the further spread of non-native aquatic species, it is imperative that all plant fragments are removed from boats before putting in or leaving a lake's access area.

Milfoil Watchers

The Department of Environmental Conservation trains interested volunteers as Milfoil Watchers to assist in the early detection of Eurasian watermilfoil. Contact the Department of Environmental Conservation if you are interested in becoming a Milfoil Watcher. The contact information is:
103 S Main Street, 10 N
Waterbury, VT 05671-0408
Phone: 802-241-3777

Management Program

• The Town of Essex has treated portions of Indian Brook Reservoir with Aquatic Herbicide, Renovate OTF in accordance with the Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit Number 2012-C02(H).
• Treatment occurred on Thursday, June 14, 2012.
• A portion of the funding for this treatment was provided through a State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources grant.
• Please see the informational Indian Brook Management Program 2011 (PDF) for more details and very important information on the treatment.
• Testing related to the application of herbicide to reduce milfoil at Indian Brook will continue on a monthly basis until the level of triclopyr (the herbicide itself) is determined to be at an acceptable level.
• Samples will be sent for laboratory analysis following collection. Once the triclopyr level is at or below 75 parts per billion in all samples, collection and testing will stop. Do not use the water from Indian Brook Reservoir or it's outlet stream for 1/4 mile for drinking or food or drink preparation until that time. 
• Do not use water from Indian Brook Reservoir or it's outlet stream, for 1/4 mile for irrigation or to water lawns, trees, shrubs or plants for 120 days (June 14 to October 14, 2012) following application or until triclopyr levels in samples are at or below 1.0 parts per billion, whichever comes first.

Update: As of July 23, 2012, water samples for triclopyr were below 75 parts per billion (PPB). The Department of Environmental Conservation has lifted the restriction on using the water at Indian Brook for drinking or food preparation. Irrigation restriction remains, see the following Information.

View the Herbicide Testing Results.