Fighting milfoil in Idaho bodies of water. I’m David Sparks and I’ll be right back. Extensive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) treatments have been conducted over the past four years in Bonner County.  Significant reductions in EWM distribution and densities have been observed throughout the County. Some of the leading aquatic plant scientists in the world have observed the lakes and have made recommendations to help improve aquatic plant treatment efforts.  More is learned every year about the complexity and challenges for treatments in Priest Lakes.

Additionally, the milfoil program has been successful in controlling and eradicating milfoil in the lakes because of the collaborative efforts of counties, local interest groups and the state's commitment of time, people and resources.  Pam Juker from ISDA: “We use a variety of different methods to fight the milfoil from bottom barriers to chemicals to hand pulling”.

The EWM that remains in Bonner County represents the most challenging to treat as a result of water exchange, depth, drinking water use, and reinfestation from upstream sources. To maximize the efficacy and efficiency of milfoil treatment efforts, ISDA will be taking a more active role in milfoil projects to implement a more directed and focused program due to the complex nature of the treatments to the remaining milfoil populations. ISDA will also assist with the development and implementation of long-term strategies.