In recent years, we haven’t had a major problem with invasive plant species taking over our lake (knock on wood). But a number of other lakes in the Lower Hudson Valley have had "a huge problem," according to Dr. Gregory Boyer, a professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

As we’ve seen while attending conferences held by the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), aquatic invasive plants can quickly grow out of control and seriously impact a lake’s appearance and recreational potential. Some of the most disruptive ones include Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut, curly leaf pondweed, hydrilla, fanwort, Brazilian elodea, and starry stonewort.

“Aquatic invasive species are threatening the ecology of the Hudson River and the tributaries that flow to it,” says Riverkeeper. “At least 50 aquatic invasive species are either established, emerging, or potential threats. … With no natural predators or other ecological processes to control their numbers, aquatic invasive species can multiply quickly.”

In short, Lake Lucille is surrounded by problem lakes and rivers. You can see for yourself on nyimapinvasives.org. So, we need to be extra vigilant to protect our own. 

"Invasive species have to get into the lake some place,” says Boyer. “So, they have to get carried there somehow." Anything that goes between sites--like a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat--can do that. 

“The most important thing about invasives is that they're relatively easy to prevent,” adds Boyer. But, “They're impossible to remediate once they're in. So, a little care upfront is well worth it. ”It’s common for plants, or even plant parts, to get tangled up in a boat or trailer. Then as soon as that boat goes into another lake, the plant spreads. 

“If you kayak on the Hudson and then pull your kayak into your lake, you've got to be aware of the fact that the Hudson is a superhighway for invasive species,” says Boyer. “There are thousands of them, so make certain that the boat is wiped clean. Take a little rag and bleach, and wipe it down occasionally. Just letting it dry is not necessarily enough, because some of these guys are remarkably resilient. So, you really have to look for it.” 

For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasive plants, see the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Invasive Species Information Center website. Other helpful websites include Riverkeeper and ProtectYourWaters.net. —Rik Paul

Photo courtesy of NOAA Research