Recently DLWID contracted with a vegetation management firm to map aquatic plants in and around Devils Lake.  During the course of the survey Parrot Feather, a common invasive plant species in Oregon, was identified. The District is using the information obtained in the report to investigate management options for control of the invasive species. In addition the report provides an updated set of bathymetry maps which will aid the District in monitoring any local effects the aeration system has on our lake bottom. Preliminary estimates have been requested from vegetation management contractors to eradicate the Parrot Feather.

In 2019, AquaTechnex, of Centralia Washington was contracted by the Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) to provide Biobase Mapping and aquatic plant survey services at Devils Lake. Our mapping and survey efforts in 2019 focused on updating Devils Lake’s bathymetric data and aquatic plant identification and presence.

The vegetation survey identified native and non-native plant species in Devils Lake, including American waterweed (Elodea canadensis), Naiad (Najas spp.), Water celery (Valasenaria americana), Yellow cow lily (Nuphar spp.), Water starwort (Callitriche spp.), and Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum).

All current noted plants are native, except parrotfeather.  This plant species is listed in the State of Oregon as a Class B invasive noxious weed. Special attention was given to locating all locations still present around the lake. Many fragments of the plant were seen during the inspection. Fragmentation/vegetatively is parrotfeather’s mode of reproduction. Wind and current driven fragments spread this plant to new locations. Current population in the lake is low. However, the spread to new locations is quick and expansion will likely double or greater in one year. The following report is a summary of those activities.