Priest Lake and Priest River, Bonner County

Priest Lake in Northern Idaho Priest Lake is in the far north of Idaho’s panhandle, with high water quality and a watershed dominated by public and private forestland. The beautiful setting and abundant wildlife attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making the health of Priest Lake vital to the local economy, environment, and quality of life.

In 2006, the noxious aquatic weed Eurasian Watermilfoil was found in Priest Lake. Bottom barriers were placed to control the milfoil growth. In 2007 an additional 40 bottom barriers were added to cover other infestations. After diver dredging of 22 acres yielded 4,800 pounds of Eurasian watermilfoil, it was determined that the milfoil is too dense for manual removal. Applications of an herbicide may be used in the future.

Similarly, The Mud Hole in Priest River was diver dredged and 400 pounds of Eurasian watermilfoil were removed. However after the dredging and survey, it was determined that the infestation was too great for diver dredging or barriers to be effective, and herbicide treatment may be needed in the future.

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Photos of the Priest Lake Eurasian Watermilfoil Control Program

Priest Lake Plant Identification Class
Aquatic Plant Identification Class
Priest Lake in Northern Idaho
Priest Lake, Bonner County, Idaho

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Aquatic Species Found in Priest Lake

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Invasive Species Watch List

Ponds, lakes and streams in this area may be at risk of invasion by the following aquatic or riparian weeds. If you think you have detected these or any other invasive weeds, contact the Bonner County Public Works, Noxious Weed Control at (208) 255-5681.