USU Assisting Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, & State Lands With Bear Lake Invasive Species

Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear Lake is one of Utah’s most iconic destinations, drawing visitors for its beautiful blue water, recreation and abundant wildlife. But beneath the surface, invasive plants are creating challenges for the lake’s ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

Researchers from Utah State University are working to better understand the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that can interfere with recreation, clog boat motors, and outcompete native vegetation. The problem becomes even more complicated when Eurasian watermilfoil crossbreeds with native Northern watermilfoil, potentially creating hybrids that are more vigorous and harder to control.

To understand the extent of the problem, researchers are collecting plant samples throughout the lake using specialized rakes and analyzing them in the lab. By identifying the different species and their genetic makeup, the team can better understand where invasive milfoil is growing, how much is present and how hybridization may be affecting its spread.

The research could help resource managers make more informed decisions about controlling milfoil, including which herbicides to use and how much to apply. Rather than eliminating every plant, the goal is to keep invasive milfoil at manageable levels while protecting Bear Lake's native ecosystem, recreation, and long-term health.