"WEEDS AND OTHER AQUATIC PLANTS: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY"

On a beautiful early spring afternoon, over 65 people crowded the Red Jacket Fire House in Seneca Falls to listen to experts on aquatic plants and weeds. Their time was well spent, as three speakers described the range of aquatic plants in Cayuga Lake, the history of their growth over the past two to three decades, and experience to date in removing and controlling their growth. A panel of a ten scientists, local officials, and advocates wrapped up the afternoon with a lively question-and-answer session.

“One person’s aquatic plant is another person’s weed,” said Bob Johnson from Cornell Research Ponds at the outset of the program. Scientists view native versus non-native plants differently, in terms of tracking their patterns of invasion and growth. But many non-native plants look similar to the ones that have been around for generations. To the average Cayuga Lake resident, the question is to what extent do aquatic plants interfere with the many ways in which we enjoy our lake.

In his talk, Bob Johnson described how Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 stirred up the lake and triggered growth of Eurasian water milfoil. The most effective control strategy has been provided by Mother Nature, not by humans, in the form of the caterpillar of the Aquatic moth.

Research Scientist Bin Zhu, from the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart & William Smith Colleges, described experiments in removing Eurasian water milfoil using harvesters and divers. His data also illustrated how different the dominant plant species are between the southern and northern ends of Cayuga Lake.

Marion Balyszak, Director of the Finger Lakes Institute, reminded the audience that “healthy bodies of water need plants”. She explained that plants grow out of control when the water is unnaturally enriched. Although it may sound benign, the process of nutrient enrichment of the lake is not always natural. It is the result of land development and uncontrolled run-off, visible in the form of brown sediment plumes at the mouths of streams and creeks after a rainfall. “Our problems with aquatic plants have been years in the making,” she pointed out. To keep aquatic plant life in balance, we need to advocate for and support enforcement of construction silt fence requirements, tertiary treatment processes at our municipal wastewater plants, and lake-friendly use of phosphorus free soaps and fertilizers.

The Fingerlakes PRISM project is working to manage invasive species and prevent further introduction of non-native plants. A demonstration model of a benthic barrier was displayed to the audience during the break, and panelist Scott Kishbaugh from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, explained the types of permits required for various forms of weed control. A lively dialogue between audience members and panelists ended the afternoon. For temporary relief outside your property in 2009, consider Bottom barriers (also called benthic barriers) which are good for weed control in a small area.

CLWN is interested in hearing your concerns and questions about the lake, and your ideas for future programs. Please email us at steward@cayugalake.org.

And other related news/events:

In Summer 2008 aquatic plant growth at the north end of Cayuga Lake led to complaints by locals that recreational use of the lake is adversely affected. The Finger Lakes Institute announced on August 8 a management plan study of "weeds" in the Finger Lakes was requested by Senator Nozzolio .

In addition, be sure to read an article discussing weed harvesting in theWatershed Network in 2008 Summer Newsletter page 5 and the south end of the lake also has a problem (page 4). The role of phosphorus in Cayuga Lake is dsicussed in 2009 Winter Newsletter . Also see an article from the 2007 summer newsletter Solving Weed Problems Takes a Watershed.

Watch for the invasive Water Chestnut. The Invasive Weed ID Guide will help you learn to identify it and other invasive weeds.