Boaters should take steps to prevent the spread of hydrilla

Boaters should take steps to prevent the spread of hydrilla

    FINGER LAKES (Aug. 7, 2012)—During the summer months, the Finger Lakes are well-known for a destination place for boating and lakeside activities. Yet, there is an invasive species—called hydrilla—threatening the region. The hydrilla plant is spread by unaware boaters. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the rapid-growing hydrilla plant that has taken root in the Cayuga inlet and threatens to spread elsewhere if not properly controlled.
    According to www.nyis.info, hydrilla is an aggressively invasive plant species that infests freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers that can rapidly grow to 25 feet long. It can be identified by its small, pointed leaves around the long stems that branch off upon reaching the water’s surface.
    It forms a thick floating mat on the surface of the water and blocks out sunlight to other plants below the surface. These thick carpets of vegetation are not only a threat to a lake’s ecosystem, but interfere with watercraft activities as well.
    After first being introduced in the southern U.S., the plant made its way up north to infest several different bodies of water, according to www.nyis.info. DEC Representative Staphanie Harrington said the Cayuga inlet has been battling with a recent Hydrilla outbreak, although it has not yet spread into the lake itself. She said if not properly addressed, the plant could very easily spread to other nearby bodies of water and take over its waterways.
    “There is concern for the spread to the southern portion of Cayuga Lake that is rich in aquatic plants,” Harrington said. “A concern is that hydrilla would out-compete native vegetation there. Another potential ecosystem concern is that an oxygen deficit could be created when all the hydrilla dies at the end of the season, however the inlet population was treated, so management actions have successfully stopped that from happening.”
    For an average boater though, there are many simple ways one can prevent the spread of Hydrilla in the region. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County website lists a number of ways for the average boater to help prevent Hydrilla from spreading in the region.
    According to www.ccetompkins.org, steering clear of areas with dense vegetation will allow a boater to avoid contaminating their watercraft altogether. It is important to clean your boat regularly, including engines, swim platforms, fishing gear and anchors to ensure there is no vegetation on any of it.
    The Cornell Cooperative website also advises if using a trailer, it is important to clean both boat and trailer before and after use. Failing to do so can result in rapid spread to other lakes, especially if used in different areas frequently. If docked in a marina, it is important to keep one’s dock space clear of any vegetation that might be floating around vessels.
    The most effective way to dispose of hydrilla is in the garbage, according to the Cornell Cooperative website. Leaving it on shore or along docks runs the risk of having it washed back into the water. The goal is to get the plant on dry land, as far away from water as possible, and far away from any new bodies of water the plant has yet to spread to.
    As of July 3, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has pushed for the Environmental Protection Agency along with Fish and Wildlife officials to contain the hydrilla outbreak in the Cayuga inlet and prevent its spread into the Finger Lakes area. According to the DEC, taking preventative measures early on will help preserve the environment and boating atmosphere as well as prevent future cleanup expenses.