Eurasian watermilfoil is a particularly problematic exotic aquatic weed in North America, due to its ability to reproduce from fragments and spread rapidly. It also has a high growth rate in a range of temperatures and environmental conditions. Its tendency to reach the surface and form extensive mats of plant at the surface can allow it to shade and out compete native vegetation.

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is recognized primarily by its whorls of four feather-like leaves around the stems. Each leaf is finely divided into paired leaflets, typically 12 to 21 pairs per leaf. The number of stems per plant increases as the plant ages. Each individual stem branches several times as it nears the water surface. Dense Eurasian watermilfoil beds usually occur in water between 3 and 12 feet deep, although specimens have been found in up to 30 feet of water. The tops of the milfoil plants,

out competing undesirable algae for dissolved nutrients.

Many new ideas, such as bacteria or fungi as a control method, although proven highly effective, are still in the experimental stages. Their use as a milfoil control method may prove to be the control of the future.

They are united through the Internet, which offers Websites such as The Aquatic, Wetland and Invasive Plant Retrieval System. This database has been used many thousands of times by researchers, government agencies, companies, teachers, students and private groups and individuals from all over the world.

„Ï Milfoil's unique growth form chokes out the native plants growing underneath it. Eurasian milfoil can also reduce the quantities of desirable duck food species.

Rules and regulations vary state by state. In Minnesota it is illegal to transport a number of species of exotic plants; Eurasian milfoil is one of them. The DNR is obligated to spend 20,000 hours each year inspecting boats at public water accesses primarily on infested waters. You can receive a fine if you are caught transporting this plant. Since all states do not abide by the same laws, it is important to understand the laws. The Minnesota DNR is required to adopt rules, which place exotic species into various regulatory classifications: prohibited exotic species, regulated exotic species, unregulated exotic species and unlisted exotic species.

There are no national laws that regulate issues regarding Eurasian milfoil. Those laws are left to the individual states because they need to adapt to all the different conditions and waterbodys unique to each state.

Studies suggest that the spread of Eurasian milfoil may have slowed due to the public education methods. Education includes brochure distribution, signs at boat launches, poster displays and thorough distributions of educational material like the Boat and Water Safety Minnesota Guide that the Minnesota DNR hands out.

Although programs are available to help with projects that manage Eurasian milfoil and educate the public, it is expensive and requires a lot of financial assistance. In Minnesota, funding for the DNR's exotic species activities is derived primarily from the surcharge on watercraft licenses. The surcharge for a three-year license period is $5, or $1.67 per year, and generates $1,100,000 annually. Additional appropriations, primarily for specific research efforts, have come from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Minnesota Future Resource Fund. The Watercraft Inspection Program alone hires a crew of nearly 30 seasonal Minnesota Conservation Corps members as water craft inspectors each year to work at many public water accesses educating boaters about harmful aquatic exotic species.

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