Predicting the Invasion of Eurasian Watermilfoil into Northern Lakes

A better understanding of factors related to invasion and colonization success of exotic species might improve both planning and implementation of management for invasions in new areas. Data from lakes containing Eurasian watermilfoil were evaluated to compare the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil dominance to common limnological parameters. The best predictors of Eurasian watermilfoil dominance were water column total phosphorus and Carlson's Trophic State Index. This analysis corroborates observations that Eurasian watermilfoil appears most abundant in mesotrophic lakes and moderately eutrophic lakes. An application of this model to an ecological classification of Minnesota lakes suggests that a large proportion of lakes in Minnesota across a broad geographical area could support significant infestations of Eurasian watermilfoil.