Reduced water flow settles out sediments and prevents re-suspension of sediments in the water. Without plants to play this important role, lakes can become turbid and lose any remaining plants for lack of light. A diverse complement of aquatic plant species provides food for waterfowl and tremendously important near-shore habitat for many fishes. Plants provide habitat for the invertebrates fish feed on. Fish such as northern pike and yellow perch lay their eggs on aquatic plants.
Plants provide small fishes with a place to hide from predators.
Even though a mix of native plants is most desirable, it is important to realize that non-native plants such as Eurasian milfoil still play an important role in lakes. Non-native plants are better than no plants at all. If you are interested in clear water and good fishing, think twice before clear-cutting the plants in front of your cabin. Instead, spend your time working to protect the shoreline and reduce runoff in your community. Milfoil does not last forever Past experience in Wisconsin has shown that milfoil tends to invade and dominate lakes quickly, but subsides after about 10 to 20 years.