Houghton Lake, MI – Restoring the Aquatic Vegetation

Authors: Craig S. Smith¹, Mark Mongin², & Mark A. Heilman²

Affiliation: ¹ Everglades National Park, ² SePRO Corporation

Journal: Lakeline, North American Lakre Mgt. Society, Fall 2003

Abstract: Problems resulting from the proliferation of Eurasian watermilfoil in Houghton Lake led to the development of a plan for managing Eurasian watermilfoil and restoring the native vegetation of the lake. In 2001, conditions in the lake were evaluated and integrated pest management strategy for controlling Eurasian watermilfoil was devised. The strategy uses a whole-lake herbicide application to get Eurasian watermi1foil under control and then 'the milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei, to keep Eurasian watermilfoil under control. The first phase of the restoration was conducted in 2002, when the entire lake was treated with Sonar® aquatic herbicide (active ingredient: fluridone). By August, Eurasian watermilfoil abundance had decreased by 91 percent.