Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois
Cason Land & Water Management, LLC provides Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) mapping and management services to clients throughout our area.
Eurasian Watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an exotic submerged plant originally from Europe and Asia. It is an aggressive, rapidly growing plant that displaces natives and impedes waterways. Eurasian watermilfoil poses serious threats to the ecological health and recreational value of lakes in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.

Cason Land & Water Management, LLC has effectively been managing and eradicating this problematic species from lakes and ponds for well over a decade. We utilize precision GPS to accurately map plant beds. Each survey we conduct comes with a custom lake map. These contain plant beds color-coded by density, and a report outlining the findings of the survey.
Survey maps are used to inform management actions. One of the most effective tools for selectively managing Eurasian watermilfoil is a specialized chemical treatment. Our treatment teams utilize boat-mounted, injection pump systems with digitally calibrated flow meters for precise treatments of each plant bed. With published scientific research, precision equipment, and decades of experience, our staff of biologists is uniquely suited to provide you with the optimal solutions for managing Eurasian watermilfoil.
Curly-leaf Pondweed
Curly-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) is an exotic submerged plant, native to streams in Europe and Asia. It is found throughout much of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Unique growth characteristics allow Curly-leaf Pondweed to have a competitive advantage over native plants. While not as aggressive as Eurasian watermilfoil, Curly-leaf Pondweed can achieve nuisance densities that impede recreation, threaten lake ecology, and decrease water quality.
Curly-leaf Pondweed is a common issue in lakes and ponds. Its dense growth in the early season impairs the use of water bodies. The massive midseason senescence of the plant during late summer fuels massive algal blooms. Curly-leaf Pondweed is most effectively managed through specialized chemical treatments. These are most effective early and late in the growing season.
This plant is easily killed, but its turion (seed-like fruiting body) can persist for years. For effective control and eradication, long-term monitoring and management are necessary.
As with all our plant surveys, our biologists utilize precision GPS data for accurate map development. These maps are delivered with a report summarizing the survey findings. Our treatment teams utilize boat-mounted, injection pump systems with digitally calibrated flow meters for precise treatment of each plant bed. Contact Cason Land & Water Management, LLC to see how we can assist you in managing and eradicating Curly-leaf Pondweed from your water body.


Phragmites
Wetlands, lakes, and ponds across Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota host phragmites. Phragmites are a tall grass species, preferring wet and marginally wet sites. Historically, these water bodies hosted a native subspecies of phragmites (Phragmites australis americanus). This subspecies exists at low abundances and in sparse patches. The Midwest now hosts an invasive phragmites species (Phragmites australis), native to Asia. These invasive phragmites grow to heights of up to 12 feet and establish extremely dense stands. Phragmites displaces native emergent plant communities, decreasing nesting, spawning, and breeding habitat for many native species.
Our trained biologists at Cason Land & Water Management, LLC can differentiate and map phragmites species. Phragmites are best controlled through routine chemical applications. This is a tough plant, and it is best targeted with broad-spectrum, monocot-specific herbicides. Like many other grass species, phragmites stands often have dormant roots. Following successful treatment, these dormant roots often generate regrowth. The regrowth and hardy nature of phragmites often necessitate multiple years of management to attain control. Our staff of licensed and certified aquatic pesticide applicators can develop and execute treatments for phragmites wherever it is causing you issues.