| Fish, macroinvertebrate, and macrophyte abundance and species richness and water quality variables were evaluated before and after a species-specific low-dose herbicide application targeted at two exotic, invasive macrophytes, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). All variables were evaluated in two treatment lakes and two reference lakes. The temporal factor explained more variance than the treatment effect for all response variables evaluated. No changes in fish, macroinvertebrates, and water quality due to changes in macrophyte structure caused by herbicide treatment were observed. No exotic macrophytes were observed after herbicide treatment, and the native macrophyte community appeared to respond within areas previously occupied by exotic macrophytes. A shift from an exotic macrophyte community to a native macrophyte community did not affect fish or macroinvertebrate communities or water quality. |
