Aquatic Vegetation Survey and Mapping Initiative

The Aquatic Vegetation Survey & Mapping Initiative was created to help identify and map native and invasive aquatic plant species that are found in many Sudbury area lakes.

Many lakes in Greater Sudbury have been lacking aquatic vegetation for decades due to local smelting activities and acid rain. Many aquatic ecosystems have begun to recover substantially in these lakes and their aquatic plant populations are thriving and expanding.

Eurasian Water-Milfoil

One aquatic plant that has spread to many lakes in the Greater Sudbury is Eurasian Water-Milfoil, a non native invader to North America. Once established, this species is extremely difficult to control as it forms dense mats that can overwhelm the native plant species within the lake.

Eurasian Water-Milfoil can cause problems in local lakes and waterbodies by changing the water clarity of a lake and light penetration. This has negative effects on native plant, fish and invertebrate species. It can also interfere with recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and more.

Lake Water Quality Program staff survey and map lakes that have high densities of Eurasian Water-Milfoil. Results are posted online and provide a means of tracking the spread of this invasive species.

Sudbury Area Lakes with Eurasian Water-Milfoil

  • Bethel Lake
  • Ella Lake (Lorne Township)
  • Grant Lake
  • Hannah Lake
  • Kelly Lake
  • Kusk Lake
  • Long Lake
  • McCharles Lake
  • McFarlane Lake
  • Middle Lake
  • Minnow Lake
  • Mud Lake
  • Lake Nepahwin
  • Ramsey Lake
  • Richard Lake
  • Robinson Lake
  • Simon Lake
  • St. Charles Lake