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Invasive Species
Pike Lake is not immune from Invasive Species.
Unfortunately over the past couple of years, two invasive species have appeared in Pike Lake: Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil.
A big thank you to the PLCA members who spotted and reported these sightings to the PLCA and EDDMaps (a data aggregator for invasive species for North America). Please continue to report your sightings (details and links below).
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Zebra Mussels on swimming ladder
(Cook Family picture)
Eurasian Watermilfoil
​​​While northern watermilfoil is native to lakes in our region and lake, Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive species that can grow in thick, dense mats and crowd out native species. It can be identified as it has feather-like green leaves that circle the stem in groups of four or five, and leaves have 12+ thread-like segments (the native watermilfoil usually has 11 or fewer segments).
It also can hybridise with native Watermilfoil; the hybrid can spread aggressively. It can damage boat motors, negatively impact fishing and fish populations, and increase mosquito habitat. It spreads through fragmentation - even tiny pieces breaking off in one area (for example, by a boat motor passing through) can float and lead to the plant taking root in other areas. While difficult to fully eradicate, physically pulling it up by the root and removing it from the water can hinder re-growth.
Prevent the spread of Eurasian Watermilfoil within the lake and to other water bodies:
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Avoid boating through dense mats of the plant so as not to break off pieces which can spread quickly through the lake;
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Ensure boat propellers and fishing gear are clean so as not to carry plant fragments to other areas;
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Do not release live bait or aquarium plants in the lake;
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Clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment before moving from one lake to another.​
Eurasian Watermilfoil. Photo from the Invasive Species Centre
What to do if you see invasive species
We can all be Citizen Scientists and watch out for invasive species (plants, wildlife, insects, fungi) and submit the geographic location and a photo to EDDMaps or call the Invading Species Centre at 1-800-563-7711. Please continue to report known invasives (zebra mussels, eurasian watermilfoil) as this helps monitor populations in our lake and across the region.
The NDMNRF and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters have put together reference guides, available online, for identification of invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants. Species-specific fact sheets are also available.
More information can be found at the website for the Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program.
If you have any questions, please reach out to info@pikelake.ca to get in touch with our Lake Steward.
Garlic Mustard
May 17, 2023
Our thanks to Naomi Fowlie for alerting us to an article in the Ottawa Citizen regarding an invasive species, Garlic Mustard.
It is reportedly in our region and the article at the below link discusses its threat, habitat, features and mitigation measures. ​
According to this government of Ontario website: "Garlic Mustard is an invasive herb native to Europe. It was brought to North America in the early 1800s for use as an edible herb. Available in the early spring and high in vitamins A and C, it has a strong distinctive small similar to garlic. Since its arrival in North America it has escaped into the wild and is now one of Ontario's most aggressive forest invaders."