Elodea Spread in Alaska Raises Concern for Fish Habitat

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:53:16 +0000

Two species of elodea have been found recently in a handful of lakes and sloughs in Alaska. While native in some of the lower 48 states, these species are the first invasive aquatic weeds in Alaska.

A big concern is how the alien weed will degrade fish habitat for species such as salmon, trout and grayling. Another is how to stop the spread.

Floatplanes are a diabolically effective way for the plant to colonize new lakes and rivers. In September, Steve Swenson, with the US Forest Service conducted an aerial study landed on elodea-infested Martin Lake. Before departing the aquatic plants were carefully removed from the rudders of the float plane.

However, shortly after takeoff a piece of elodea was noticed on the rudder. Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done and shortly before landing at Hinchinbrook Island, the hitch hiker was gone.

Boat Wash Station Helps Protect Schroon Lake from Invasive Species

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:16:11 +0000

Schroon Lake in New York is infested with curly leaf pondweed and milfoil, two invasive species. But lake advocates and state and local officials are working to keep other aquatic invasives out through a new boat washing station in Severance.

Partners are working to keep Schroon Lake free of invasive species, though the lake is already populated with milfoil. Signs are seen at the Schroon Lake boat launch in the town of Schroon, warning boaters to stay away for the milfoil as prop chop will spread the invasive species.

One sign posted to warn boaters states, “Your hull & prop will chop & spread this invasive weed creating a MAJOR THREAT to the health of this lake!”

aquatic invasive species prevention – Aquarius-Systems

Elodea Spread in Alaska Raises Concern for Fish Habitat

Boat Wash Station Helps Protect Schroon Lake from Invasive Species