WDNR Awards New Milfoil Grants
The Gilmore Lake Association (GLA) is pleased to announce important new developments in our ongoing efforts to manage and reduce Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Gilmore Lake.
New WDNR Grants Awarded for 2026–2027
GLA recently received two grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to support aquatic invasive species management and lake planning activities during the next two years. The grants include:
$50,000 Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant to support Eurasian watermilfoil control efforts during the 2026 and 2027 seasons
$7,300 Lake Management Planning Grant to support lake management and planning initiatives
“These grants are an important step in helping the Gilmore Lake Association continue its long-term mission to preserve and protect the lake for current residents and future generations,” said GLA President Fran McCloskey.
“Our 2026 management plan combines science- based treatment strategies, community involvement and ongoing monitoring to address Eurasian watermilfoil," said Fran. " We are grateful for the support of the WDNR and the many Gilmore Lake property owners who have already contributed their time and resources to protecting the lake. Our entire community’s involvement and support will be essential to the success of this effort.”
Eurasian Watermilfoil Action Plan
The GLA is pursuing an “integrated pest management” strategy developed with Aquatic Plant Management LLC, a Wisconsin-based aquatic plant management firm specializing in invasive species control and lake restoration. The plan includes herbicide treatments, diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), and professionally led volunteer snorkel divers who will hand-pull weeds. The EWM control grant will help fund these several initiatives, including:
Herbicide treatments targeting EWM beds in the lake’s southern and middle basins in early July using 2,4-D and ProcellaCOR®. However, the GLA must first obtain treatment permits from the WDNR, and approval is not guaranteed.
DASH operations in the north basin, which is the most heavily infested area of Gilmore Lake, beginning in August.
Volunteer snorkel diver efforts led by Emily Moore of Moore Lake & Garden LLC, who has been serving as our lake consultant for the past few years, to hand-pull smaller EWM beds around the lake during July and August.
Optimism for WDNR Permit Approval
The GLA’s proposed 2026 treatment strategy is designed to contain Eurasian watermilfoil while protecting the lake’s native wild rice beds. Because the WDNR is cautious about allowing herbicide applications near wild rice due to the potential for unintended impacts, the Gilmore Lake plan focuses herbicide treatments primarily in the southern and middle basins of the lake — areas located well away from the wild rice beds in the north basin.
Recently, the WDNR approved ProcellaCOR® treatments on the Minong Flowage after a lengthy negotiation and review process.
“The Minong Flowage precedent is encouraging,” said Fran. “We hope that a carefully designed treatment plan for Gilmore Lake — one that emphasizes geographic separation from wild rice beds and responsible application practices — will satisfy WDNR requirements.”
Community Hand-Pulling Event Planned
The lake association also plans to host a Eurasian watermilfoil training session followed by a volunteer hand-pulling event and picnic in late July. The event will give lake residents an opportunity to learn more about invasive species management while contributing directly to efforts to protect and preserve Gilmore Lake.
The event date will be announced at the GLA annual meeting on Saturday, June 27, at the Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center.
Buoys and Signage Improvements
To help limit the spread of milfoil, GLA will once again deploy buoys in the north basin to discourage boats from entering the large, dense EWM bed. New buoys are being added this season in the southern basin to limit boat use around EWM beds in that area.
GLA also maintains informational signs at the boat landing and the northern narrows to help educate lake users about Eurasian watermilfoil and ongoing management efforts.
Clean Boats Clean Waters Inspections
The GLA will again participate in the Clean Boats Clean Waters watercraft inspection program coordinated by the Minong Area Lakes Alliance (MALA, formerly the Minong Town Lakes Committee). Trained inspectors will help educate boaters about aquatic invasive species prevention and inspect watercraft entering and leaving area lakes. Gilmore Lake has been assigned approximately 290 hours of weekend landing inspections during the 2026 season.
“We’re pleased to introduce Jordan Schirmer as Gilmore Lake’s dedicated Clean Boats Clean Waters inspector,” said Fran. “Jordan grew up on the Minong Flowage, and his family has long been active supporters of area lakes and conservation efforts.”
Jordan will staff the Gilmore Lake landing on weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., traditionally the busiest boat launching hours at the landing. Jordan’s inspection and education efforts are an important first line of defense in protecting Gilmore Lake.
