About Milfoil

Though Northern Milfoil is a native plant and common in Wisconsin lakes, Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM) is not native to our state and is very difficult to control once it becomes fully established. Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots, and settle in a new location. Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces beneficial native plant life. It makes swimming difficult and can devalue waterfront property. Where this species grows in its native environment, insects and fish may feed on this plant at such a rate as to control its growth. Milfoil has no natural predators to keep its population in check. Under optimum temperature, light and nutrient conditions, milfoil may grow up to an inch per day.

How Did Exotic Milfoil Become Established in This State? It was most likely a "stowaway" fragment attached to a boat or trailer that came to this region. Milfoil can live out of water for many hours if it remains moist. Check out the video below to see how an upstate New York lake was forced to manage a EWM infestation. We don't want to have to do this at Lake Owen!

EWM brochure 2

Lake Owen News & Events

Lake Owen History Book Project

As most of you know, in 2010 we began a fascinating project to write a book dealing with the history of Lake Owen. This past summer we really geared up, hiring a Project Manager, three researcher/writers, a professional photographer, and a book designer. We have collected 25 self-written family stories, and nearly 40 interviews with families have been conducted. The photographer shot dozens of wonderful scenes, and much research has been done on Lake Owen camps, resorts, logging, railroads, early settlers, Indians, explorers, and more. All of this will make for a most impressive book, and our hope is to publish it no later than yearend 2012. But this is an expensive project, and we need your help. We are still short of our fundraising goal of $75,000, so anything you can donate will be most appreciated.

Local News

Vander Puy to challenge Starck for Ashland County Board seat

Incumbent Michael Starck and challenger Nick Vander Puy of La Pointe garnered the most votes in Tuesday's spring primary and will face each other in the April 3 general election for the seat on the As...