3 Reasons Why This Invasive Plant Is Bad News for New Hampshire Lakes and May Even Lower Property Value

Have you heard of Variable Milfoil?  I had never heard the exact name, but I surely have seen it and you probably have too.

This plant, which looks lovely in the water BUT it is NOT so lovely for New Hampshire waters.

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There are volunteers that try to get rid of it on a regular basis and they say it is really difficult to see their lake change so much.

There are volunteers all over the state trying to keep the plant from spreading.  The Suncook Lake Association has tracked the plant for years spending thousands of hours of volunteer time to try to eradicate it, but they say they are not making progress, they are just keeping the plant at bay.

This Invasive Plant Spreads Rapidly in NH Lakes

REASON #1:

According to des.nh.gov, Variable Milfoil spreads quickly and takes out native NH plants that are beneficial to our eco-system.  If the weather is the right temperature and it gets the nutrients it needs to grow, it can grow up to an inch per day.

REASON #2:

If this plant were in its native home, it would be food for insects and fish, therefore, controlling the growth.  Here in New Hampshire, however, it's living its best life because we don't have enough natural predators to keep the growth down.

REASON #3:

Because this plant is so dense and is harmful to the NH eco-system, it may affect the value of your home. If left to grow on its own, it will take over the lake, making recreation impossible.

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This Invasive Plant is Harmful to All Bodies of Water in NH

Suncook is not unique with this problem.  It's statewide.  If you think you might have an infestation, you can report it to the "Exotic Species Program," by clicking here and filling out the form.