Invasive Species
We Tackle Invasive Species to help keep Bear Lake
Clean, Deep & Blue
Invasive species pose a great threat to the future of Bear Lake. On the shore, phragmites, tamarisk, burrs and countless weeds invade the dry fertile lakebed. In the water, our greatest threat is Eurasian watermilfoil, which we’ve been referring to as the “Milfoil Monster”, along with other invasive species such as: quagga mussels, zebra mussels, walleye fish and curly pondweed. An important way that we can help keep Bear Lake clean, deep and blue for generations to come is becoming educated on invasive species and understanding how to best prevent them from invading and spreading.
QUAGGA MUSSELS
Quagga mussels are an incredibly destructive invasive species. According to the State of Utah website, they were first discovered in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, and have since spread across the U.S. from contaminated boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. Quagga mussels impact lake ecosystems by removing phytoplankton, the food source of zooplankton which is a major food source to fish, thus depleting fish populations. They also clog water lines and damage boat engines. Additionally, once the mussels die, they wash up on the shore and release a repulsive smell, and pose a risk to the safety of lake goers due to their sharp shells that can easily cut one’s feet. Quagga mussels are extremely resistant to any type of eradication; thus, each time any form of watercraft is launched in the state of Utah, the owner must complete a course on mussels and have the watercraft inspected.
EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL
Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive weed first identified in Bear Lake in 2019, although it had already been present for a few years. This “Milfoil Monster” spreads rapidly, and can now be found along 7% of Bear Lake’s western shore, according to a report from several Idaho and Utah state agencies. The weed is not just unsightly and bothersome to swimmers and boaters – it also inhibits other native plants from growing. Eurasian watermilfoil has the ability to take over the Lake, and is one of the largest threats to the future of Bear Lake.
It’s vital that you DO NOT PULL UP THE PLANT. This weed spreads by fragmentation: one little piece can grow a new plant. Please leave the removal/treatment to the professionals at the state agencies.
TAMARISK
Tamarisk, or Saltcedar, is a shrub or small tree. According to the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio, tamarisk is widespread across the American West and is an especially dangerous invasive species. This is due to its incredibly long roots that burrow underground to reach aquifers. Tamarisk plants can draw up to 200 gallons of water in just a day.
Phragmites
Phragmites are a species of reed. According to an article from HJ News, they spread rapidly and grow in patches that are tall and dense, often making it difficult to access beaches. They also impact the lake ecosystem by crowding native vegetation and animals such as fish and birds. Additionally, they influence water quality, acting as a sediment trap and preventing water movement.
CURLY PONDWEED
Curly pondweed: According to the National Invasive Species Information Center, curly pondweed grows in “dense mats” that disturb native species. Additionally, these mats can span over entire sections of a lake, limiting recreation. The species also especially thrives in cold waters, such as the waters of Bear Lake.
Make a Donation Today
Your financial support helps to sustain valuable research and treatments to erradicate the invasive species that threaten Bear Lake’s clean, deep and blue waters.