Residents watched as the water on Sand Lake steadily turned greener. Weeds wrapped around rudders of float plants and choked the canal area. The bottom of the lake eventually vanished from view as Alaska’s first know submerged invasive aquatic plant, elodea reared its ugly head.
Ecologists warn that the plant, known for its dense growth and high cold tolerance, threatens boating, float plane and commercial and sport fishing enterprises and could eventually affect fish species in water bodies across Alaska.
While the invasion is still contained to a relatively small number of waterways, members of the ecological research community are urging a quick response.