Author: R. Smith, M. Clymer

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished Report, 19 January 2019

Abstract:

An unprecedented dense growth of the highly invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) reached monoculture levels in Cedarville and Sheppard bays within the Les Cheneaux Islands (LCI) in 2011 and 2012. Dense patches of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) grew in over ten percent of other LCI waters during that time. The objective of this six-year study was to learn how EWM and other rooted aquatic plants (macrophytes) responded to the record EWM density of that period. Beginning in 2013, EWM density fell precipitously in both bays and remained at low levels for the remainder of the study. Based upon point-intercept analysis, growth density of other macrophytes common to these bays decreased, remained constant, or increased during the study period. Possible explanations for the dramatic EWM decline include: natural EWM life cycle, natural pathogens, allelopathic agents, water level/temperature, or a combination of these.

Author: R. Smith, M. Clymer, D. Dunn, S. Myers

Author Affliation: LCWC

Journal: MT MTU REPORT FINAL  Grant c 311018

Abstract:

A field trial to evaluate the ability of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris ( Mt) to control growth of non-native Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), or EWM, was conducted in the Les Cheneaux Islands (LCI), Michigan during the summer of 2017. Objectives of the trial were to confirm effective biological control of EWM by Mt observed during a 2014 trial conducted in the Les Cheneaux area; and to learn if Mt efficacy against EWM could be reproduced when the fermentation process wasconducted in a different laboratory and at a larger scale. Findings indicate that the Mt strain, NRRL TX-05, did retain efficacy in controlling EWM growth in the Les Cheneaux open-water system during the 2017 field trial. Moreover, it was learned that Mt efficacy in controlling EWM growth continues when water temperatures are lower than optimum. The degree to which Mt infected EWM was quantified by measuring biomass reduction as a function of time. Follow-up observations one year post treatment suggest that EWM vigor might be reduced during the season following Mt treatment. Results from LCI field trials evaluating the mycoherbicidal activity of Mt for EWM management are encouraging. Based upon our studies of 1/6^th and 1/8^th acre plots as well as previous data, Mt is a strong candidate as a commercial competitor to chemical herbicides for EWM management in lakes, harbors and waterways.

Authors: R. Smith, M. Clymer, D. Dunn, S. Myers

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished LCWC Report 29 April 2018

Abstract: A field trial to evaluate the ability of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris ( Mt) to control growth of non-native Eurasian
watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), or EWM, was conducted in the Les Cheneaux Islands (LCI), Michigan during the summer of 2017. Objectives of the field trial were to confirm effective biological control of EWM by Mt observed during a 2014 trial conducted in the Les Cheneaux area; and to learn if Mt efficacy against EWM could be reproduced when the fermentation process was conducted in a different laboratory and at a larger scale. Findings indicate that the Mt strain, NRRL TX-05, did retain efficacy in controlling EWM growth in the Les Cheneaux open-water system during the 2017 field trial. Moreover, it was learned that Mt efficacy in controlling EWM growth continues when water temperatures are lower than optimum. The degree to which Mt infected EWM was quantified by measuring biomass reduction as a function of time. Results from LCI field trials evaluating the mycoherbicidal activity of Mt for EWM management are encouraging. Based upon our studies and previous data, Mt is a strong candidate as a commercial competitor to chemical herbicides for EWM management in lakes, harbors and waterways.

Authors: Mark Clymer

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: EPA/GLRI Invasive Species Grant: No. GL-00E00809; March 31, 2014

Abstract:  This project supports the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, pursuant to Public Law 112-10. The grant will support the Les Cheneaux Watershed Council’s work to stock 65,000 milfoil weevils in approximately 16 locations in three bays in the Les Cheneaux Islands region of northern Lake Huron, Michigan to control the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil and restore important perch spawning grounds. The project includes monitoring to assess the long-term effectiveness of this biological control strategy for watermilfoil.

Authors: R. Smith

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished Report; March 2017

Abstract: Three lines of evidence suggest that characteristics of Les Cheneaux waters have changed during the past four years as reflected by a sharp decline in stemmed aquatic plants, especially Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), and in free-floating algae (phytoplankton) densities. Eurasian watermilfoil density decreased by 80% from 2013 through 2016 in the two most infested bays, Sheppard and Cedarville, for this period. This is not to say that LCI water quality has declined. In fact, the recreational water quality of LCI waters is excellent. The shift in EWM and plankton densities appears real and, with the decline of EWM as well as the plankton community, long term shifts in the lower aquatic food web could occur. Changes in the lower food web can affect the invertebrate populations such as dragonflies, mayflies and damselflies which, in turn, can affect the fishery.

Two other lines of evidence for shifting water characteristics are the decrease in algae concentration and the simultaneous rise in Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP), a primary algal nutrient during the 2013-2016 period. SRP concentration increased throughout LCI waters as the planktonic algae community density decreased. With SRP being a primary planktonic algae nutrient, it follows that SRP concentrations would increase if the algal population had less demand for using it as a nutrient.

Author: Mark Clymer

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished Report for the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners and the Clark Township Board

Abstract: This Milfoil Control Project and it’s impact are part of a functional and ecosystem level effort in the Les Cheneaux Islands (LCI) watershed to balance native and invasive species by facilitating the natural diversity still present.

Results of this project indicate that some Aquatic weeds appear able to compete with Milfoil, and that Milfoil does not appear to be as severe an ecological threat in LCI currently as was witnessed in 2011‐2013. This statement does not mean there is no problem, only that under favorable conditions the Pondweed family, Naiad, Chara, and Eel Grass for instance, are able to successfully cohabitate with Milfoil, as demonstrated in the 2014 Aquatic Vegetation Assessment Site (AVAS) survey and a Point Intercept (PI) survey findings. Favorable factors include cooler water temperatures, less available sunlight, and the presence of Milfoil pathogens & predators.

Authors: Hank Lotoszinski

Author Affiliation: Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District (CEMCD)

Journal: in house publication, March16, 2011

Abstract: This plan outlines the strategic approach with an emphasis on education, early detection, and rapid response to coordinate and implement best management practices in controlling specific invasive terrestrial and aquatic plant species in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This plan is intended to bring together those responsible for weed management within Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties. The partners will develop common management objectives, set realistic management priorities, facilitate effective treatment, and coordinate efforts along logical geographic boundaries with similar land types, use patterns, and problem species.

Authors: Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones

Author Affiliation: Lakeshore Environmental, Inc.

Journal: Prepared for The Paradise Lake Improvement Board, October, 2012

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of both laminar flow aeration with bioaugmentation and biological control (weevils) on the management of the exotic, invasive, submersed aquatic plant, Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Both abiotic (nonliving, chemical, physical) and biotic (living) parameters determine the overall health of Paradise Lake.

Authors: Munson

Author Affiliation: Water on the Web

Journal: Water on the Web, 2003

Abstract: Students will learn to: list the steps involved in the research process, identify societal goals and purposes for research, develop research objectives from goals, use established criteria to assess research hypotheses, and other principles of research design.

Authors: Pat Carr

Author Affiliation: Les Cheneaux Watershed Council

Journal: unpublished, 2006

Abstract: PowerPoint presentation the Les Cheneaux Watershed Council’s (LCWC) Strategies, Project Partners, Projects, and Objectives.

Authors: Mark Clymer

Author Affiliation: Les Cheneaux Watershed Council

Journal: unpublished, 12/3/12

Abstract: This spreadsheet compares the elements utilized in Management Plans across multiple disciplines. These include: Generic, Scientific Method, Engineering Method, PLM: Lake Mgt Plan , DEQ: Lake Mgt Plan, EPA: GLRI Grants, USDA: Forest Service/AIS, & Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation Best Mgt Practices.

Authors: not named

Author Affiliation: MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AQUATIC NUISANCE CONTROL AND REMEDIAL ACTION UNIT

Journal: MDEQ, Revised 10/05

Abstract: This document provides guidance to Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permit applicants regarding the requirements of a Lake Management Plan (LMP). Under Part 33, Aquatic Nuisance Control, of the Natural Resources and Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, an LMP is required as part of an ANC permit application if a whole lake treatment is proposed. This document provides an explanation of the requirements and information to aid in collecting the required data.

Authors: not named

Author Affiliation: Affiliation: MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AQUATIC NUISANCE CONTROL AND REMEDIAL ACTION UNIT

Journal: MDEQ, EQP5885 (Rev.10/05)

Abstract: Pursuant to Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), and Part 33, Aquatic Nuisance Control, of the NREPA, and the administrative rules promulgated thereunder, a lake management plan is required as part of the application for a whole-lake chemical treatment to the waters described below for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

Author: Bridget Faust

Author Affiliation: Association of State Floodplain Managers

Journal: Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide; February 14, 2014

Abstract: Demonstrate how low water levels and invasive species have adversely impacted the Les Cheneaux Watershed, describe the different strategies used by the community to combat them, and provide communities with the decision support tools necessary to decide when and how to manage invasive species.

Authors: Alfred F. Cofrancesco, Holly

Author Affiliation: US Army Corps of Engineers

Journal: Aquatic Plant Control Research Program Vol A-99-3 August 1999

Abstract: Crosson Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Dietz) is a small native weevil that feeds on various species of watermilfoil. Its natural host is northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum Komarov); however, it has been shown to feed extensively on Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.). The ability of this insect to feed on and damage Eurasian watermilfoil has led to its use in the management of this nonindigenous plant.

Authors: Raymond M. Newman

Author Affiliation: Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota

Journal:

Abstract: The aim of this project is to attempt to detect milfoil declines and assess milfoil weevil populations, identify and manipulate factors that may be limiting control agent densities and identify and manipulate factors that may limit the effectiveness of milfoil control agents (plant community response). This report presents our results from 2001-2003 and summarizes our overall results during the past 10 years and provides some final conclusions and recommendations.

Authors: Raymond M. Newman¹, David W. Ragsdale² & David D. Biesboer³

Author Affiliation: ¹Department of Fisheries & Wildlife; ²Department of Entomology; ³Department of Plant Biology University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108

Journal: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Fourth Status Report for 1999-2001

Abstract: Although declines of milfoil in several lakes have been related to the occurrence of E. lecontei, it is clear that at many sites in Minnesota, weevil densities do not get high enough to effect control. Fish predation may be one factor limiting populations in some lakes.
The aim of this project is to monitor a set of milfoil populations for potential declines, determine factors that may be limiting control agent densities and their effectiveness in the field, determine the effects of fish on weevil augmentations and determine if chronic effects such as sediment quality or competition with native plants is responsible for declines of milfoil associated with herbivores. This report summarizes our methods and collection efforts in 2000 and presents preliminary results of our research through 2000.

Authors: various

Author Affiliation:

Journal:

Abstract: Bibliography of Publications About Weevils

Authors: Kristine C. Mazzei, Raymond M. Newman, Alyson Loos, and David W. Ragsdale

Author Affiliation: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and †Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108

Journal: Biological Control 16, 139–143 (1999)

Abstract: The native aquatic weevil Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Dietz) is a potential biological control agent of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.). The weevil reduces the viability of milfoil by mining plant stems. We determined the influence of temperature on the developmental rates of the weevil and damage to Eurasian watermilfoil stems. Single E. lecontei eggs were laid on rooted plants in individual tubes filled with water and 16 such tubes were randomly assigned to each of eight environmental chambers set at constant temperatures of 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31°C with a 16-h day length. Weevils and plants were monitored daily and development times were recorded for the egg, larval, and pupal stages. Length of watermilfoil stem damaged (cm) was estimated at 21, 25, and 29°C. Developmental rate was linearly related to temperature, up to 29°C; the developmental maximum appeared to be between 29 and 31°C.Average egg hatch occurred in 12.0 days at 15°C and in 4.2 days at 31°C. Average larval development time took 20 days at 15°Cand 6.1 days at 31°C. Complete egg to adult development ranged from 16.6 days at 29°C to 61.7 days at 15°C. The lower developmental threshold was between 8.2 and 10.5°C, and egg to adult development required 309 6 27.6 (2 SE) degree-days above 9.8°C. Daily stem damage increased with temperature but total damage (by larvae) was equal across temperatures and averaged 15.1 6 1.9 cm. Field temperature data indicated that up to five generations could be completed in a typical summer in Minnesota lakes.