Invasive Species

The most concerning Invasive Species in Morrison Lake

is Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM)

To prevent its spread, avoid boating through invaded areas, wash all recreational equipment, and never release or compost unwanted aquarium vegetation. The MLRA EWM project is led by Jenny Fairbrass. Interested in helping? Contact Jenny at 613-929-4418 or mlraexecutive@gmail.com

Eurasian watermilfoil is a perennial aquatic plant that grows under the water surface. Its leaves are feather-like with 12 or more thin segments (native milfoil has 11 or fewer leaf segments). Eurasian watermilfoil is most commonly found in water 1-3m deep (~3-10 ft) in lakes, rivers, and ponds, but can occur at depths up to 10m (~33 ft). Found in acidic or alkaline waters, this plant blooms small reddish flowers that rise above the water in red tangled stems in July and August. Eurasian watermilfoil grows in thick, dense mats that crowd out native species, reducing biodiversity, and deoxygenate water when decomposing, killing other aquatic species. It can also cause damage to boat motors, negatively impact fishing and swimming, and increase suitable mosquito habitat. 

Eurasian watermilfoil is spread through fragmentation of plants and the release of aquarium plants and pets.

Eurasian Watermilfoil – Profile and Resources | Invasive Species Centre