Milfoil & Greeter Program

Greeter Program: Aquatic invasive species are spread by overland transport of watercraft, trailers, and fishing and recreational equipment. The most effective way to prevent the spread is through education and equipment inspections to catch invasive species “hitching a ride” from one waterbody to another. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is far more effective and economically sensible than eradicating invasive species once they are established.

Milfoil: Eurasian watermilfoil is a submersed, rooted perennial plant. It has bright green, feather-like leaves arranged in groups of four around the stem. Each leaf is finely divided into 10 to 20 pairs of leaflets. Milfoil easily spreads due to its ability to establish new plants from small fragments. Plant fragments are dispersed by water currents, animals, and people.

Control and Prevention: Despite a variety of treatment methods, Eurasian watermilfoil is nearly impossible to eradicate once it has invaded. See the 2024 Lake Willoughby Eurasian Milfoil Report for more information about Willoughby’s process to manage milfoil.

Due to the high costs and continuous effort required, the best management option for milfoil spread is prevention and you can help! Because milfoil fragments can easily stick to boats and equipment, practicing the Clean, Drain, Dry spread prevention methods are very important. Drain all water from your boat, canoe, kayak, and other vessels and any equipment used in the water. Clean vessels and gear and remove all plant fragments and dispose of properly. Dry all damp areas of boats and vessels, such as live wells and bilges, with a towel and let air dry in the sun for at least five days before using in another waterbody. If this is not possible, rinse equipment with hot, high-pressure water.