What Are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Lakes are natural ecosystems with a wide variety of aquatic organisms. A healthy lake ecosystem is one that includes native aquatic plants and animals. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) (sometimes called exotic, invasive, nonindigenous or non-native species) are aquatic organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range. Their presence may disrupt lake ecosystems and the various uses of a waterbody (recreation, public water supply, etc.)
Aquatic Invasive Plants in ÍøÆسԹÏ
Aquatic plants are a natural part of any lake ecosystem, and Chapter 6 of “Diet for a Small Lake” entitled “Aquatic Plants: Not Just Weeds” provides an excellent resource for lake associations. Â
Some of the most common and disruptive aquatic invasive plants in ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï include Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut, curly leaf pondweed, hydrilla, fanwort, Brazilian elodea, and starry stonewort. Â
Aquatic Plants in ÍøÆسԹÏ: A Series of White Papers by Scott A. Kishbaugh, 2023.
- White Paper 1 –Â Executive Summary of Historical NYS Aquatic Plant Surveys and Plant Metrics
- White Paper 1A – Summary of Major NYS Aquatic Plant Surveys Since the mid 1920s
- White Paper 1B – Elements of Aquatic Plant Surveys and Summary of Major NYS Aquatic Plant Surveys since the early 1920s
- White Paper 1C – Tools Used to Evaluate Species Richness
- White Paper 1D – Evaluation of Species Richness in NYS Lakes
- White Paper 1E – Evaluation of Plant Lists and Individual Plant Species found in NYS Plant Surveys
- White Paper 1F – Evaluation of Coefficients of Conservatism in NYS LakesÂ
- White Paper 1G – Evaluation of Floristic Quality in NYS Lakes
Frequently Asked Questions Received from Lake Associations re: APA/DEC Inter-Agency Guidelines for Implementing Best Management Practices to Control Invasive Species on DEC-Administered Lands of the Adirondack Park: In May 2023, the Adirondack Park Agency and the Department of Environmental Conservation offered a public presentation, at the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï conference in Lake George, on managing invasive species in the Adirondack Park. This document provides information related to frequently asked questions.Â
Aquatic Invasive Animals in ÍøÆسԹÏ
A variety of introduced aquatic animal species have been introduced to ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï lakes. These include zebra mussels, quagga mussels, banded and Chinese mystery snails, the spiny and fishook water fleas, and several invasive fish species.Where Can I Get More Information?
is an excellent resource providing identification training sessions, mapping technology, and additional information for lake associations.
The ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Invasive Species Information Clearinghouse is also a good source of information for both aquatic and terrestrial species in ÍøÆسԹÏ.
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï has also compiled a list of AIS by county: /ais-by-county/
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï also has seven Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMS) that coordinate a wide variety of AIS activities across the state.
The also maintains a database and information about invasive species.
How do I look for invasive plants in my lake?
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï and DEC have developed a protocol for Aquatic Invasive Plant Surveillance Citizen Scientists on Lakes. You can also conduct a more thorough rake toss survey for a more thorough investigation.