DNR Records 2026 Verified Hybrid Water-Milfoil Population at Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin — August 30, 2026.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists a verified hybrid Eurasian/Northern water-milfoil population at Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. The DNR record lists March 9, 2026, as the date it was first found and identifies the lake as waterbody ID 59300.
For boaters, anglers, paddlers and shoreline residents, the practical message is to inspect equipment carefully, remove visible plant material and keep water from moving between lakes.
What the verified record means
A verified listing confirms that the plant identification was established. It does not, by itself, describe the population’s size, density, spread rate or effect on recreation. The DNR also distinguishes verified populations from unconfirmed observations, and its database is not necessarily a complete inventory of every aquatic invasive species location.
Hybrid water-milfoil can resemble both Eurasian water-milfoil and native northern water-milfoil. The DNR says hybrid identification requires DNA analysis, so lake users should not assume that every water-milfoil plant they see at Elkhart Lake is hybrid or invasive based on appearance alone.
Clean, Drain, Dry before visiting another lake
Watermilfoil can spread when small plant fragments are carried on boats, trailers, anchors, fishing equipment or other gear. Wisconsin’s prevention steps are:
- Clean: Inspect boats, trailers and equipment, then remove all visible plants and animals.
- Drain: Empty water from boats, live wells, bait buckets and other equipment before leaving the launch.
- Dry or decontaminate: Spray equipment with high-pressure hot water or allow it to dry out of the water for at least five days before entering another waterbody.
These steps are especially important for anyone moving between Elkhart Lake and other Sheboygan County lakes for fishing, boating or paddling.
Local reporting and volunteer opportunities
Sheboygan County’s Aquatic Invasive Species program provides education, monitoring and volunteer opportunities through efforts such as Clean Boats, Clean Waters, Project RED and Snapshot Day.
Residents who suspect a new aquatic invasive species finding can contact county AIS coordinator Katie Hanson at 920-459-1375 or mailto:katie.hanson@sheboygancounty.com. Suspected findings can also be reported through Wisconsin DNR aquatic invasive species resources.
The March 9, 2026, record confirms the identification but does not announce a lake closure or a change to ordinary recreation at Elkhart Lake. Cleaning, draining, drying and reporting can help protect Elkhart Lake and other waters across Sheboygan County.
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