Aquatic plants are an important component of lake systems.
These plants may be totally submerged beneath the lake surface, floating, or growing along the shoreline. They provide food and shelter for bugs, fish and other organisms, prevent shoreline erosion, filter pollutants from adjacent shoreline activities, and provide oxygen to the surrounding environment. Native species, which evolved with other Northwest plants and animals, generally have natural population controls which keep their coverage in check. Through the Lake Stewardship Program, technical assistance is available for identifying plants in your lake and providing control information to shoreline residents. Shoreline related regulations that must be followed in order to protect sensitive lake environments are available.