CHAMBERS, Neb. (AP) — Goose Lake Wildlife Management Area in northern Nebraska has been closed to public access as officials try to keep an invasive aquatic plant from spreading.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says it is developing a plan to eradicate a heavy infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil from the lake so the area can be reopened. The plants’ leaves or stem fragments easily can be carried on boats, trailers and other aquatic sporting equipment to other bodies of water.

The plants can spread rapidly from leaves or stem fragments and can grow up to 2 inches a day. Their dense surface mats interfere with boating, fishing, swimming and other forms of recreation.

The lake sits about 10 miles southeast of Chambers in southern Holt County.