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Eurasian Milfoil
 


The Milfoil Weevil is a very promising strategy for combating the milfoil infestation in Christina Lake.  We strongly encourage all residents and stakeholders to view this video.

This is a promotional video produced by a private firm that specialises in bio-control of milfoil.  Currently, federal and provincial laws prohibit the use of weevils for milfoil control in Christina Lake. The RDKB and the Christina Lake Stewardship Society are working on initiating a process with federal and provincial regulators to determine what is required to acquire approval to use the weevil in Christina Lake.

 

Eurasian Milfoil first appeared around docks and mooring facilities in Christina Lake in the mid 1980s.

By 1986 milfoil had spread throughout the lake infecting the foreshore of both private property owners and the Crown Land of Gladstone Provincial Park. 

In 1987 the Province and the RDKB began a milfoil control program with the cost shared between the two levels of government.

 Eurasian Milfoil

By 1998 the Province's share had dwindled to nothing leaving local taxpayers with the burden of the entire cost. 

In 2005, the program received a grant from the Province to ensure the infestation along the foreshore of Gladstone Provincial Park was controlled. 

This grant was not repeated in 2006 leaving the $122,144 cost to be borne entirely by Area C taxpayers.

Read the 2010 Milfoil Control Program Report, or read the current 2011 Millfoil Control Partnership Proposal.

What is the problem with Eurasian Milfoil?

Eurasian Milfoil is an aggressive invasive aquatic plant species that has been transported to lakes throughout North America by boaters and recreationists.

In some lakes, thick patches of milfoil choke boat propellers, clog beaches and out-compete native plant species.  Eurasian Milfoil easily spreads by sprouting roots from tiny branches that can break off from parent plants.

What techniques are used to contain Eurasian Milfoil in Christina Lake?

Many different jurisdictions throughout North America have attempted to control Eurasian Milfoil infestations.  Different techniques include mechanical harvesting, herbicides, geotextile fabric, weevils and hand-pulling. Each of these techniques has advantages and drawbacks. The RDKB is actively evaluating each technique to determine whether they would be applicable to Christina Lake.  Please see the links at the bottom of the page for more information on programs in other jurisdictions.

Since 1987, the RDKB has manually removed the weeds.  Divers remove the weeds from depths of up to 3 meters and carefully place the weeds in mesh bags to contain all floating fronds.  This material is then removed and composted.

The experience of other jurisdictions has not yet demonstrated that any technique is fully successful in eliminating Eurasian Milfoil.  The goal of the Christina Lake Milfoil Control Program is to minimize the foreshore areas affected by the weed and contain its spread.

Ultimately the best control technique is for property owners and boaters to prevent the spread of milfoil by careless recreational activities.  Lake users are encouraged to maintain their foreshore and keep it milfoil free.

Boaters are urged to ensure that no plant material is introduced to Christina Lake and that all aquatic life is removed from boats before transport to new water bodies.
 Eurasian Milfoil containment strategy

Eurasian Milfoil and native milfoil
Can you identify Eurasian Milfoil?
Eurasian Milfoil (left) has 12 or more leaves per 'branch'.
The native milfoil (right) is more sparse.

Links and Resources:
August 2011 Community Workshop results -Topic 1
August 2011 Community Workshop results -Topic 2

August 2011 Community Group Discussion Comments
2011 Millfoil Control Partnership Proposal
2006 Christina Lake Milfoil Control Annual Report
2005 Christina Lake Milfoil Control Annual Report
2004 Christina Lake Milfoil Control Annual Report
Government of BC - Environmental Protection Division
Western Aquatic Plant Management Society
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Cultus Lake Sockeye Recovery Program
Washington State Department of Ecology

Table 1 - EWM Count
Table 2 - Provincial Park Plant Counts
Table 3 - Post Control Survey record
Table 4 - Pre-Control Survey
Table 5 - Milfoil Map
Appendix 1 - Elecontie Biocontrol Review
Appendix 2 - Sunfish Weevil Predation
Appendix 3 - CAUS Newsletter
Appendix 4 - Cofrancesco Crosson Milfoil Weevil
Appendix 5 - Research Project Population Variations
Appendix 6 - Sunfish Predation Milfoil Weevil
Appendix 7 - North Bay Protection Project
Appendix 8 - Diving Manual
Appendix 9 - Wollenweber Miniproject
Appendix 10 - Report Sinking Recovery

 

  
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