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.
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