BARNUM — An invasive plant has spread to a lake in northeastern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says aquatic biologists have confirmed the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil in Bear Lake near Barnum in Carlton County.

The plant was discovered in multiple survey locations around the small lake. The plants were mature and were growing near shore in water depths of two to nine feet.

The lake will be designated as an infested water. Signs will be put up to alert boaters.

Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants and clog boat propellers.

Homeowners who want to manage small areas of submerged watermilfoil can pull it by hand. But a permit is needed for large-scale mechanical removal or to hire a professional herbicide applicator.