Fall is upon us, but that doesn’t mean Iowa’s beloved lakes are down for the count. Expect West Okoboji Lake and the surrounding tourist destinations to be hopping through September and October, especially on the weekends. But happy tourists aren’t the only visitors to the area – and unfortunately, the other visitors are much less welcome. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of two highly invasive plants in Iowa, located in West Okoboji Lake. What are Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad; how can these plants wreak havoc on the local ecosystem; and what can we do to prevent them from spreading? We look into what this means for West Okoboji Lake and your fall plans below.

Fall at West Okoboji Lake is truly beautiful, but this year, there may be some unwelcome visitors joining the party.
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Two invasive plant species have been found in the lake. The first is Eurasian water milfoil, a slender plant that spreads quickly. While it's not directly harmful, it grows fast and can easily crowd out native species.
Creative Commons/Wikipedia
It also provides microhabitats for small fish - which makes it difficult for larger fish to feed and impacts the ecosystem.
Many of the same problems go for brittle naiad, another invasive plant found in the lake. It also grows fast and can cover wide areas, turning fishing areas into tangles of plant matter.
Robert H. Molenbrock/Wikipedia

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So it's no surprise that the state is moving quickly. A plan to eliminate the plant wherever it's found with herbicide is under way.
Creative Commons/Wikipedia
But what can you do to help? These plants spread aggressively, and it's key to not spread them in any way.
Jeff Wilson/Wikipedia
The state suggests cleaning your boat before leaving a water body, draining any water from your equipment, and drying anything that comes into contact with the water to avoid transporting the species.
But there's no need to worry about your next trip - the lake is open for business, and the Iowa DNR is on the case!
Travel Iowa

Did you know about the presence of these invasive plants in Iowa? What are your fall plans for West Okoboji Lake? Tell us all about it in the comments section. You can read more details about the presence of these plants and the state’s plans for dealing with them on the Iowa DNR press release. The Okoboji area is still expected to be a major vacation destination even as cleanup efforts begin – just look at this hidden state park or this popular indoor waterpark resort.

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West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA