Eurasian water milfoil continues to exist within the southwest most bay and a few locations just north of the original DASH B-2015 work area. No EWM was detected in front and east of the launch, nor at the single location along the north end. Overall management efforts reduced the density of EWM in Smoky Lake compared to 2014, furthermore, A-15, which was a continual area of sparse density EWM was reduced in both extent and abundance. In light of this reduction, the overall extent of EWM in Smoky Lake has grown in 2015 compared to 2014. This is primarily due to the very sparse area of contiguous growth (B-15) found along the central portion of the southwest most bay.

Eurasian water milfoil continues to exist within the southwest most bay and a few locations just north of the original DASH B-2015 work area. No EWM was detected in front and east of the launch, nor at the single location along the north end. Overall management efforts reduced the density of EWM in Smoky Lake compared to 2014, furthermore, A-15, which was a continual area of sparse density EWM was reduced in both extent and abundance. In light of this reduction, the overall extent of EWM in Smoky Lake has grown in 2015 compared to 2014. This is primarily due to the very sparse area of contiguous growth (B-15) found along the central portion of the southwest most bay.

Duplicate copies of an amendment agreement for the following project: Smoky Lake Control & Prevention of Eurasian Water milfoil Rapid Response Project, Amendment No. I

In 2013, over half of the known EWM locations consisted of dense to moderate-dense abundances, whereas in 2014 roughly three quarters of all known location consisted of spare to very sparse abundances. These observations suggest a reduction in density of EWM from 2013 to 2014. There is still moderate and moderate-dense EWM abundances known on Smoky Lake, however, comparing this to 2013, it is evident that hand removal has made a positive impact, not only to the overall abundance of EWM on Smoky Lake but also by minimizing the potential for spread. A decline in EWM is likely a positive result of active management, however, can include natural annual variation. Cool weather and water temperatures and extended winter conditions including ice and snow pack can potentially influence observed annual variation. Eurasian water milfoil is an aggressive aquatic invasive plant, it is unlikely that this plant will be eradicated, nor should eradication be a feasible management goal. Using monitoring and management efforts that are resource reasonable and adaptive to annual needs will be the best strategy to provide long-term control.

Final Report and annual reports