The association has treated a 3 acre area in the northeast section of Merrifield Bay for Curly Leaf Pondweed annually.  We were unable to acquire a permit from the DNR last year.  This year we expect to treat a larger area, primarily on the east and north sides of Merrifield Bay.

In 2024, the invasive species Eurasian Milfoil was found in the same area.   A 100 square foot area was found north of the boat access in about 8 to 10 feet of water. Eurasian Milfoil grows very fast, crowding out native vegetation and can form a dense mat that negatively impacts boating and fishing. It primarily establishes through vegetative fragmentation—a fragment can break off, settle in the sediment, grow roots, and establish a new plant. It is easy to confuse Eurasian Milfoil with Northern Milfoil - a native plant that does not grow as explosively and does not present the same issues.  To add to the complexity, there is also a hybrid Milfoil.

In the fall of 2025, we surveyed Merrifield Bay to identify any other areas of Eurasian Milfoil that may be present.  It was found in three areas on the east side of the bay.  We applied for a permit from the DNR to treat affected areas. This permit delineates the treatment area and authorizes the treatment plan.  The permit was speedily granted and we contracted with PLM (who we use for our Curly Leaf control) for the treatment.  PLM treated the the area in late September with a herbicide that targets the Eurasian Milfoil

We expect to continue treating this area to control the spread.