Dear Randy,
Thanks so much for reporting Eurasian Watermilfoil from Fern Ridge. As you may know, the Eurasian Watermilfoil can degrade water quality and as causes trouble for boaters as it tangles and snags boat motors and keels The US Army Corp of Engineers manages the lake and I will forward your report to them and I will let you know what they say. However, it is my current understanding that they do not have enough funding to address the milfoil.

One positive note is that there is currently an active group of local sailors are taking action against the plant. This winter they removed a large amount of plant material before Fern Ridge was refilled! They had a great turn out (40 people or so). Perhaps you were there!? This group is to be commended for taking action to prevent milfoil's further spread as well as raise awareness about the problem in their community.

I'll get back to you and let you know the outcome of your report. Stay tuned and thanks again for the report.

Tania
Watershed and Invasive Species Education
Oregon Sea Grant
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu

Tania Siemens
June 18, 2012, 3:36 a.m.