Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters that Goose Lake Wildlife Management Area, located southeast of Chambers in Holt County, is closed to public access until further notice.
The closure is necessary because of a heavy infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant, at the lake.
Eurasian watermilfoil can spread rapidly because a single fragment of stem or leaf can take root and form a new colony, and plants can grow up to 2 inches per day. Once established, the plant can form dense surface mats that interfere with boating, fishing, swimming, and other forms of recreation. Plant fragments can be transported on boats, trailers, and other aquatic sporting equipment, so the closure is necessary to assure that fragments are not transported to other waterbodies.
The Commission is developing a plan to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from Goose Lake. Eradication has been successful for a number of lakes in other states. The area will reopen once the risk of transporting plant fragments to other areas has been reduced to an acceptable level.
The Commission reminds all water users to clean, drain, and dry their equipment (boats, trailers, waders, decoys) when they leave any body of water to prevent the spread of invasive species.
