Controlling Hydrilla In A New York Lake
Aquatic Weed and Algae Control Case Study
Location and Acreage:
Cayuga, NY | 266-Acres
Project Timeframe:
2011 to 2017
Project Manager:
Steve Wilson, Aquatic Biologist and Regional Leader
Brad Bowers, Aquatic Biologist and Regional Leader
Key Staff:
Glenn Sullivan, Certified Lake Manager and Environmental Scientist
Krista Michniewicz, GIS Specialist
Jason Luce, Fisheries & Wildlife Scientist and Certified Lake Manager
Site Description:
This control project took place on approximately 266 total acres. The targeted areas compromised of several inlets within the lake. The areas of greatest impact included two high use state parks where recreational opportunities, tourism, and fish and wildlife habitat had been negatively impacted.
Scope of Work:
Hydrilla control efforts were performed annually by SOLitude Lake Management for eight with the goal of eradicating hydrilla and preserving native aquatic vegetation. This project was a collaborative effort involving the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed, Cornell University, and consultants, including SOLitude Lake Management, Sepro Corp., and United Phosphorus.
Project Description:
A multi-year eradication program for hydrilla was implemented after collecting bathymetric mapping data, sediment characterization and hydrilla tuber density. The ability for hydrilla to reproduce from tubers creates a challenging management approach as tubers can be dormant for years and require continued elimination to achieve complete eradication. The management program for hydrilla in the inlet required herbicide treatments through flow adjusted metered herbicide injection and repeat application of granular herbicides. Due to the scale of the treatment and continued monitoring, the management program also employed the use of limno-corrals, benthic barriers and hand pulling.
Continued hydrilla tuber monitoring and effective treatments resulted in zero tubers discovered six years post treatment. Due to the biological importance and social and economic benefits associated with this project, continued monitoring and localized control is expected in order to ensure limited negative impacts in the future.
