European Frog-Bit Invasive

Please see the below message regarding frog-bit,  a non-native water lily look-a-like, spreading through parts of Michigan.   Unlike invasive weeds such as Eurasian watermilfoil already established in Wisconsin, this one falls into the “prohibited” category of the invasive species law because of its non-existence (or near non-existence) in the state.   Please report any suspicious sightings.

Welcome back summer!!!!

Ted Ritter

Vilas County Invasive Species Coordinator

http://www.vilasconservation.org

Exotic Aquatic European frog-bit Spreading Throughout Michigan

Invasive Free Floating Flowering Plant Forms Dense Monotypic Meadows

Michigan lakefront property owners would be well advised to keep a watchful eye out this spring and summer for yet another potentially harmful exotic aquatic invasive plant – European frog-bit (scientific name: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae).

Detected last summer near the Detroit River as well as in Saginaw Bay, Alpena and Munuscong Bay in Chippewa County,  the highly invasive free floating plant is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, and was intentionally imported to Canada from Europe in 1932 for commercial use as an ornamental plant. European frog-bit has since spread to several rivers, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and many other inland waters within the Great Lakes region.

Capable of rapid growth rates, European frog-bit often forms dense floating mats that may force out other beneficial native floating plants (like water lilies) and effectively prevent sunlight from reaching native submerged aquatic plants. Dense monotypic mats of European frog-bit may also impede navigation and interfere with recreational uses such fishing and swimming.

The invasive free floating plant may be easily identified by the presence of a single white flower of up to three quarters of an inch in width with three rounded petals and a yellow center. The leaves of European frog-bit are one to two inches wide and are round to heart-shaped. The leaf bottom is purple-red with a spongy coating along the middle vein of the leaf that allows it to float on the water.

Annual Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the Annual Meeting is this Saturday. Sign in is at 9:30 am and the meeting will start at 10. Hope to see you there!

Dock Sections?

Just got a call from a W. Birch Lake resident who's missing some dock sections. Three Tommy Dock sections floated away. They are cedar decking with a treated frame. If they've floated up on your shore, you can email me at dittz.geo (at) gmail.com or mention it at the meeting.

Live from the Lakes: A Wisconsin Lakes Blog

I've added another link to the list on the right. I'd kept an article from the December 6, 2013 Lakeland Times. The article explained a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative fund that had provided $200,000 to fight the invasive Phragmites australis also known as common reed grass.

Live form the Lakes

Here is the link to the grant article. Be sure to click "continue reading" for the entire article.

Ice is gone and Whitey's back

The lake in front of us is practically clear of ice today. 

The loons have been back for a few days. Talked with Judy H. today. The loon platform is in and, when Hal and John were moving it into place, the loon pair was following them. 

Here's a picture of a white deer that I believe is the oldest one because she is so tame. She walked across the woods at the front of the house a couple days ago and showed up out back today. 

Scarlet Tanager

This guy was sitting by the bird feeder today. I didn't know what kind of bird he was when I saw the flash of red. I just started taking pictures. Isn't he pretty?

Turtle Crossing

When Driving, Remember To Make Way For Turtles -- Here's a link to the WPR  article about helping out the turtle population. A couple years ago I was lucky enough to get go out front when a turtle was crossing our rock wall. She was struggling to get across the rocks and really took off (well, as fast as a turtle can) after she was lifted to the other side.

Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine Turtle Article -- This article has additional information about turtles and turtle ID. Another section supplies a link to turtle dogs. Sounds like these dogs are trained to hunt and rescue turtles.

Ice Out??

I've had a couple of emails asking about the ice. I took the "iced up" pictures on May 4. The other pictures were taken this afternoon. Won't be long now 'til it's all gone.