Lake Bomoseen Association Releases 2025 Aquatic Plant Survey Results

Written By LBA

Lake Bomoseen, VT — January 2026 — The Lake Bomoseen Association (LBA) has released the results of its 2025 Aquatic Plant Survey, conducted by Arrowwood Environmental, providing an updated and comprehensive look at aquatic vegetation conditions throughout Lake Bomoseen.

The annual survey tracks both native aquatic plants and Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive species that can negatively impact recreation, wildlife habitat, and water quality. Field work was conducted during the summer of 2025 using standardized lake-wide sampling and shoreline surveys.

What the Survey Found

  • Native plants remain stable. The types and overall presence of native aquatic plants in Lake Bomoseen have remained largely consistent from 2023 through 2025, indicating stability in the lake’s natural plant communities.

  • Milfoil declines were short-lived. While milfoil levels dropped in 2024, the 2025 survey shows that this decrease did not continue. Areas with heavier milfoil growth increased again in 2025.

  • Current milfoil levels match 2023. The amount of dense and moderate-dense milfoil recorded in 2025 is similar to what was observed in 2023, indicating that last year’s improvement was temporary.

  • Problem areas are well defined. The most significant increases in dense milfoil were found in bays north and south of the Float Bridge, in The Channel, and in deeper areas of The Sand Bar.

Although some areas of the lake showed little or no milfoil, these gains were offset by renewed growth in heavily infested zones. Overall, the lake has returned to milfoil conditions seen two years ago rather than continuing the decline observed in 2024.

Why This Matters

“The 2025 survey reminds us that milfoil can rebound quickly,” said Bridget McIntyre, President of the Lake Bomoseen Association. “While we were encouraged by the decrease we saw in 2024, the latest data makes it clear that those gains were temporary. Consistent monitoring and sustained management are essential if we want to protect the long-term health of the lake.”

McIntyre added, “This report gives us the detailed, location-specific information we need to plan smarter, more effective milfoil control efforts going forward.”

Looking Ahead

The Lake Bomoseen Association’s 2025 aquatic plant survey results will be available soon on the LBA website. Current milfoil management tools approved for use (through a permitting process) in Vermont lakes include Greeter programs, benthic barriers, Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) and targeted herbicide treatments. Hand pulling of milfoil is the only method allowed without a permit. Continued annual surveys remain essential for tracking long-term trends, evaluating the effectiveness of management strategies, and responding proactively to changing lake conditions.

The Association encourages all lake users to remain vigilant, follow best practices to prevent the spread of invasive species, and stay informed about ongoing management efforts at Lake Bomoseen.

For additional information or to request a copy of the full 2025 Aquatic Plant Survey Report, please contact the Lake Bomoseen Association.

Download Survey Here
LBA