Invasive Species
Like many Wisconsin lakes, Lake Helen has been battling Eurasian Water Milfoil & Zebra Muscles, also known as Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), for many years. Additionally, we have addressed the occasional growth of Japanese Knotweed along the shore and further inland. We all must do our best to prevent, identify and remove these invasives species from our water and surrounding shoreline.
What's in the Water?
Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM)
Did you know? The first major Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) control effort took place in 2009!
Did you know? The first major Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) control effort took place in 2009!
Through a combination of volunteer hand-pulling, diver-assisted removal and chemical treatments, Lake Helen has been working to address this invasive species for many years. It is a staple item in our Lake Management Plan and budget.
Like most invasive species, EWM outcompetes native vegetation, lowering oxygen levels for wildlife and creating a major nuisance for boating, fishing and swimming.
Eurasian Milfoil (EWM) and other invasive species are being transported from one lake to another by hitch hiking on boats, trailers, and motors that have recently been in an infected lake. And these hitchhikers love a new home and the opportunity to reproduce and spread.
- 2025 - Chemical treatment took place in May.
- 2024 - Manual pulling events with volunteers.
- 2023 - Manual pulling events with volunteers.
- 2022 - Manual pulling events with volunteers.
- 2021 - Manual pulling events with volunteers and a professional diver team. We received a three-year grant to help us control EWM without chemicals.
- 2020 - Chemical treatment took place in May.
- 2019 - Manual pulling efforts using divers.
- 2018 - Manual pulling efforts using divers.
- 2017 - Manual pulling events with volunteers.
Like most invasive species, EWM outcompetes native vegetation, lowering oxygen levels for wildlife and creating a major nuisance for boating, fishing and swimming.
Eurasian Milfoil (EWM) and other invasive species are being transported from one lake to another by hitch hiking on boats, trailers, and motors that have recently been in an infected lake. And these hitchhikers love a new home and the opportunity to reproduce and spread.
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EARLY DETECTION & RESPONSE GRANT
The Lake Helen R&P District has been taking action to stop the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and other invasive species. An "EARLY DETECTION & RESPONSE GRANT" has been applied for and approved. The grant will provide funds from the state for a two-year period to help with this huge task. |
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Be Aware - Identify - Communicate [click on each line below to expand & learn more]
1. BE AWARE - Why should I care?
2. IDENTIFY - Show me how to identify Eurasian Milfoil
3. COMMUNICATE - What should I do if I find Eurasian Milfoil?
Pulling and Monitoring Activities In Action
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Zebra Mussels
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Zebra mussels are hitchhikers! They were introduced to the Great Lakes via transoceanic ships in the 1980s and eventually they made their way to our local lakes. In addition to consuming resources and disturbing the food chain in the lake, their sharp shells can injure swimmers, clog water pipes and coat hard surfaces.
Little can be done to address zebra mussels once they are introduced, but we can all do our part to keep our boats and trailers clean when going between different bodies of water. For Lake Helen, it is one of many reasons we are part of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and have installed a new cleaning station at the boat launch. |
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What are we doing about the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?
For several years, we have been part of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, sponsored by the WI DNR, to provide information and support to boaters on how to inspect and clean their boats and trailers to prevent the transfer of AIS lake to lake. Through this program, we receive a grant to offset the costs of hiring an onsite inspector to carry out this task.
We encourage all Lake Helen residents to be ambassadors of this program and practice, exercising care and caution with your own boats, notifying and helping your guests, and informing visitors (should our boat inspectors not be available for a certain day or time).
New in 2026, we will be installing an AIS cleaning station and new signage, so that not only can we inform and educate boaters, but we can also facilitate cleaning before entering the water and upon exit.
We encourage all Lake Helen residents to be ambassadors of this program and practice, exercising care and caution with your own boats, notifying and helping your guests, and informing visitors (should our boat inspectors not be available for a certain day or time).
New in 2026, we will be installing an AIS cleaning station and new signage, so that not only can we inform and educate boaters, but we can also facilitate cleaning before entering the water and upon exit.
What's on Land?
Japanese Knotweed
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Japanese Knotweed grows rapidly and can form dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation. Along waterways, it can contribute to erosion, while inland, its strong roots and rhizomes can penetrate hard surfaces, causing damage to drainage, foundations, driveways and more.
Japanese Knotweed was first found on a few properties on Lake Helen in September 2012. Lake residents along with an AIS Regional Specialist, pulled and treated the weed. Since then, a sub-committee lead by Glen Bersie (who has the proper equipment to treat it) has been in place to monitor this invasive species and treat any occurrence. If you see it, please report it to Glen or any other Lake Commissioner. |
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Wild Parsnips
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Wild parsnips don't sound so scary, but they can be nasty!
Although wild parsnip is a member of the carrot/parsley family, they produce a sap containing chemicals that can irritate human skin. Not native to North America, the plant forms dense stands that outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and the quality of agricultural forage crops. Wild parsnip can grow nearly 5 ft tall with yellow blooms, compound leaves arranged in pairs, with sharply toothed leaflets shaped like a mitten. Small clusters can be removed with proper protective clothing. If you see it, be careful and report it to a Lake Commissioner. (More information can be found here.) |
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