Lake Beseck Milfoil Treatment Information and Details

The Infestation of Beseck Lake by an Aquatic Invasive known as Eurasian Milfoil

Lakefront and recreational users of Beseck Lake have been battling with an overabundance of aquatic plant growth along the lake shores; particularly the west side and the north/south ends of the Lake. The plant growth has had a negative impact on the recreational use and the water quality within Beseck Lake. 

One of the most problematic plants is an invasive called Eurasian milfoil.

Beseck lake has an area of 116 acres. In a 2004 plant study, only a total of 0.2 acres of the lake was affected by Eurasian Milfoil. The 2021 plant study showed that Beseck Lake now has 36.2 acres of Eurasian Milfoil (see lake study map below). 

Invasive plant species, such as Milfoil, are a threat to the health and balance of the

aquatic ecosystem. Milfoil is a rooted, submerged aquatic plant that reduces biodiversity by competing aggressively with native plants.

Our goal is to eliminate the 36.2 acres of Eurasian Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) within Beseck Lake by the application of an herbicide: ProcellaCOR.

Expected benefits from the herbicide treatment of the milfoil include:

•    Extensive reduction or eradication of the invasive Eurasian Milfoil 

•    Improvements in aquatic plant species diversity (from less competition)

•    Improvement in recreational uses related to boating, associated watersports, and swimming

•    Reduction of clogged boat propellers and drive systems

•    Reduction of plant entanglement in feet of swimmers 

•    Less entanglement when fishing

Milfoil: The Problem

Watermilfoils are rooted, submersed freshwater aquatic plants in the genus Myriophyllum. There are about 69 known species.

They are recognizable by their long, branching, hollow stems and whorled, feather-divided leaves that appear 'dissected'.

Why is Milfoil a problem?

Milfoil spreads easily and grows quickly, crowding out native plants, reducing fish habitats, and reducing wetland habitats for native animals.

It creates dense mats near the water surface that entangle boat propellers, and make it difficult to swim or fish.

How does Milfoil spread?

Milfoil is hard to control because of fragmentation - when a piece of the plant breaks off, it then re-roots and creates an entirely new plant. It also reproduces by producing seed structures called turions.

Milfoil fragments can spread by a boat propeller, fishing gear, or a person/animal.

ProcellaCOR: The Solution

These are the most significant features that make ProcellaCOR unique:

•    ProcellaCOR is selective to Eurasian watermilfoil. It will not harm other plants in the lake.

•    Results last longer. ProcellaCOR will keep milfoil at bay for much longer than other solutions.

•    ProcellaCOR has a strong safety profile, which is important for our community, for us, our kids, and animals. The lake is closed for only one day while the product is being applied.

•    Researchers have observed little to no impact on native plant species when treating with ProcellaCOR.

 How does ProcellaCOR provide these benefits?

•    ProcellaCOR specifically targets milfoil by disrupting its growth process by over stimulating the plant and the systemic killing of its roots. 

•    ProcellaCOR has a low water solubility and is rapidly degraded in surface

water with a half-life of 1.3 days. This means the herbicide degrades completely within 3 to 4 days. 

Who will apply ProcellaCOR to the affected areas of the lake?

•    Our contractor for application of the ProcellaCOR is All Habitat Services, LLC, an ecological management firm that specializes in aquatic and terrestrial vegetation management, including invasive and nuisance species control and native species restoration. They are a “Certified Specialist” (by manufacturer) for the application of ProcellaCOR.

For more information please view the most Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)