Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants and animals that disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and impact recreation. Learn how they spread, the problems they cause, and safe methods for control and management.
Lake managers might be hurting native aquatic plants – instead of helping them – when they use chemicals to control invasive plants on entire lakes. New research by Wisconsin DNR Lakes and River Team Leader Dr. Alison Mikulyuk shows native plant communities can struggle when chemicals are used to target invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. It appears
Kirksville City Council members voted to approve a resolution to allow weed harvest operations at Forest Lake in Thousand Hills State Park, Missouri, as the invasive curly leaf pond weed is not only negatively affecting recreation activities, but also impacts water quality and the drinking water treatment process. In 2018, the city entered into a
Carraízo reservoir in Puerto Rico has fallen victim to two of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants: water lettuce and water hyacinth. Often found together, the invasive plants grow at exponential rates, obstruct waterways, clog hydropower plants, and prevent sunlight from penetrating the water’s surface, reducing water quality. The Aqueduct and Sewer Authority began its
In July, the last known patches of Giant Salvinia, an invasive and aggressive aquatic plant at the Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi, were eliminated. The vegetation was treated with multiple chemicals and then removed, but after six months of Giant Salvinia being absent from the lake, the cleanup team discovered the unwelcomed guest. Apparently a stray
The Okanagan Basin Water Board milfoil program has been so successful over the past five decades. Aquatic weed harvesters used in significant areas with milfoil infestation on Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada are now clear of the invasive plant. Meanwhile, the water board continues to work with the province and environmental consultants to expand existing
County legislators are considering providing some type of support to a group trying to get rid of the Eurasian milfoil infestation in Black Lake, New York. The milfoil problem is exacerbated when propellers on boats going through the lake chop it up (prop chop) the and spread its seeds. Legislators debated what methods could stop
Keeping aquatic invasive species out of Montana bodies of water, specifically invasive mussels, is very important to protecting the native fish and plant species in the area. Researchers said cleaning, draining and drying boats is nearly 100% effective at keeping AIS out of Montana. That is why boat inspections are required in the state. Seaplanes
The Massachusetts’s Department of Conservation and Recreation is aiming to reduce invasive plant species in Lake Whitehall in a plan that calls for herbicides and mechanical harvesting. The reservoir has extensive growth of “exotic nuisance aquatic vegetation,” including fanwort and variable-leaf milfoil, according to a report by ESS Group, a firmed hired by the state.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is planning to add 100 artificial and natural structures at 37 sites to provide additional fishing areas for the angling public at the Tuckertown Reservoir. These fish attractors are intended to help offset the loss of aquatic vegetation in the presence of sterile grass carp. Sterile grass carp are a practical