Any plant that grows in an area where you don't want it is referred to as a weed. When we talk about weeds in the lake we prefer to call them aquatic plants or macrophytes. About 40% of the Balsam Lake surface is covered with aquatic plants. They can be a nuisance as well as a benefit to the lake.

BENEFITS:
• Habitat for fish, insects and small aquatic invertebrates
• Food for waterfowl, fish and wildlife
• Oxygen producers
• Provide spawning areas for fish
• Help stabilize marshy borders of the lake; help protect shorelines from wave erosion
• Provides nesting sites for waterfowl and marsh birds
• Aesthetics

NUISANCE:
• Public beaches and swimming areas
• Around docks and piers
• Lake navigation
• Recreational activities
• Boating, Canoeing
• Fishing if plant density is too great
• Viewing

In 1999 the Lake District used Barr Engineering to conduct a survey and study of the aquatic plant population and then to make a recommendation to the District Board as to the best method to manage the aquatic plant population. Barr Engineering produced a plan which was approved by the WDNR which called for chemical applications in 25 foot wide navigational paths. We began this process in the year 2000. Prior to the year 2000 the Lake District used a mechanical harvester to remove plants from the lake. In the year 2004 we will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the chemical application program. In 2001 we noticed that the chemical applications of 2000 had been very effective, meaning treated areas had less plant density. The cost of chemical application has been less than previous mechanical harvester costs. Studies by others in other lakes have shown that fish kill is smaller when chemicals are used in aquatic plant management.

The Lake District has applied chemicals at the public landings for several years hoping to prevent the introduction of Eurasian Water Milfoil to the lake.