'A Partnership with Adirondack Communities'
Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
'A partnership with Adirondack communities'
2020 Manual Page 1 Table of Contents
• PRISM Map
• Aquatic Invasive Species Distribution Maps and Table
• Survey Guidelines
• How to Complete Observation/Assessment and Survey Data Sheets
• Data Sheets
• Volunteer Waiver
• Example Data Sheets
• Plant Monitoring Tools
• Non-Native Invasive Aquatic Plant List
• Common Look Alike Plants
• Mistakable Milfoils
• Priority Invasive Species
• Aquatic Invasive Species Profiles
• Glossary
• Aquatic Invasive Plant ID Guide and Key Chain
• Additional Information
• Contacts
• Field Guides / Online References 2020 Manual Page 2
w PARTNERSHIPS FOR REGIONAL RK Department of INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT q ATE Environmental Conservation New York State PRISMs
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to an area and harm human health, the economy, or the environment.
▐ What are PRISMs? Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), comprising diverse stakeholder groups, were created to address threats posed by invasive species across New York State. PRISMs are key to New York’s integrated approach to invasive species management. Partners include federal and state agencies, resource managers, non-governmental organizations, industry, recreationists, and interested citizens. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides financial support, via the Environmental Protection Fund, to the host organizations that coordinate each of the eight PRISMs, resulting in statewide coverage.
▐ What Do PRISMs Do? • Plan regional invasive species management New York State's Partnerships for Regional activities Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) • Implement invasive species prevention programs • Conduct surveillance and mapping of invasive species infestations • Detect new infestations early and respond rapidly
• Implement control projects Finger Lakes • Implement habitat restoration and monitoring • Educate stakeholders on invasive species and their impacts • Coordinate PRISM partners • Recruit and train volunteers • Support research through citizen science in collaboration with the Invasive Species Research Institute http://www.nyisri.org/ • Report observations to iMapInvasives http://www.nyimapinvasives.org/ • Act as regional communication hubs
PRISMs are a great way to get involved by volunteering for monitoring, outreach, or management projects. All are welcome to participate in statewide PRISM monthly conference calls to receive updates, hear excellent presentations and learn about upcoming events. Contact a PRISM leader for more information, or visit WWW.NYIS.INFO YOU CAN PROTECT NEW YORK FROM INVASIVE SPECIES
For more information, or to sign up for email updates2020 fromManual NYSDEC, Page 3 visit our website: www.dec.ny.gov
Regional PRISM Contacts PRISM Host Contact Listserv & Websites
APIPP The Nature Tammara Van Ryn • [email protected] Adirondack Park Conservancy 518-576-2082 • http://adkinvasives.com/ Invasive Plant Program [email protected]
Capital Mohawk Cornell Kristopher Williams • [email protected] Cooperative 518-885-8995 • http://www.capitalmohawkprism.org/ Extension of Saratoga County [email protected]
CRISP Catskill Center for John Thompson • [email protected] Catskill Regional Conservation and 845-586-2611 • http://catskillinvasives.com/ Development Invasive Species [email protected] Partnership
Finger Lakes Hobart and William Hilary Mosher • [email protected] Smith Colleges 315-781-4385 • http://fingerlakesinvasives.org/ [email protected]
LIISMA Long Island Native Bill Jacobs • [email protected] Long Island Invasive Plant Initiative 631-560-9945 • http://www.liisma.org/ Species Management [email protected] Area
Lower Hudson New York - New Linda Rohleder • [email protected] Jersey Trail 201-512-9348 • http://lhprism.org/ Conference [email protected]
SLELO The Nature Rob Williams • [email protected] Saint Lawrence and Conservancy 315-387-3600 • http://www.sleloinvasives.org/ Eastern Lake Ontario [email protected]
Western New York Buffalo State Andrea Locke • [email protected] 716-878-4708 • http://www.wnyprism.org/ [email protected]
▐ How Do I Join a PRISM? For more information on PRISM meetings and activities and how you can become involved, visit the website of the PRISM in which you are interested, or contact the coordinator listed above for the PRISM. To improve communication within and among PRISMs, e-mail listservs, managed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Invasive Species Program, have been established for each of the eight PRISMs. To subscribe to a PRISM listserv, e-mail the appropriate listserv address in the table above. In the subject line, type the single word “join” (without the quotes). Leave the body of the message blank; do not include a signature block or any other text in the body of the e-mail.
CONTACT INFORMATION Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health Division of Lands and Forests New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4253 P: (518) 402-9425 | [email protected] www.dec.ny.gov
Updated January 27, 2020
2020 Manual Page 4
ADIRONDACK LAKES DEPEND ON US protect your waters by keeping invasive species out
Number of aquatic invasive species
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Unsurveyed lakes a n a c Agricultural & Developed S a t (320) e G r NEW YORK
2020 Manual Page 5 Data from The Nature Conservancy & USGS | December 2019 Key New 2019 EWM - Eurasian Watermilfoil Fan - Fanwort LIST OF ADIRONDACK WATERS WITH VLM - Variable-leaf Milfoil BN - Brittle Naiad AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES CLP - Curly-leaf Pondweed SWF - Spiny Waterflea WC - Water Chestnut CMS - Chinese Mystery Snail AC - Asian Clam EF - European Frog-bit ZM - Zebra Mussel FWF - Fishhook Waterflea Name (Alphabetized) # EWM VLM CLP WC EF Fan BN SWF CMS ZM AC FWF Augur Lake 1 X Bartlett Pond 2 X X Blake Reservoir 3 X Brant Lake 4 X X Butternut Pond 5 X Carry Falls Reservoir 6 X Chateaugay Lake 7 X X X Chaumont Pond 8 X Chazy Lake 9 X X Copperas Pond 10 X Cranberry Lake 11 X Daggett Pond 12 X Deer River Flow 13 X X Eagle Lake (Essex - Ticonderoga) 14 X X East Caroga Lake 15 X X Efner Lake 16 X Eldon Lake 17 X First Pond, Saranac Chain 18 X X Fish Creek Ponds 19 X X Floodwood Pond 20 X Follensby Clear Pond 21 X Forked Lake 22 X Franklin Falls Flow 23 X X X Fulton Chain, Fifth Lake 24 X X Fulton Chain, First Lake 25 X Fulton Chain, Fourth Lake 26 X* X Fulton Chain, Second Lake 27 X* X Fulton Chain, Seventh Lake 28 X X X Fulton Chain, Sixth Lake 29 X X Fulton Chain, Third Lake 30 X Grasse River at Lampson Falls 31 X Great Sacandaga Lake 32 X X X Hadlock Pond 33 X X X X Highlands Forge Lake 34 X Horseshoe Lake 35 X Horseshoe Pond (Franklin - Duane) 36 X Hunt Lake 37 X Indian Lake (Franklin) 38 X X Indian Lake (Hamilton) 39 X Jenny Lake 40 X Kiwassa Lake 41 X X X Lake Algonquin 42 X Lake Alice 43 X X X X Lake Champlain 44 X X X X X X X X X X Lake Colby 45 X Lake Durant 46 X Lake Eaton (Essex) 47 X Lake Flower 48 X X X Lake George 49 X X X X X X Lake Luzerne 50 X X Lake Placid 51 X Lake Pleasant 52 X Lincoln Pond 53 X Little Colby Pond 54 X Little Forked Lake 55 X
2020 Manual Page 6 Name (Alphabetized) # EWM VLM CLP WC EF Fan BN SWF CMS ZM AC FWF Little River Flow 56 X Little Square Pond 57 X Long Lake (Hamilton) 58 X Long Lake (Oneida) 59 X Long Pond (Echo Lake - Essex County) 60 X Loon Lake (Warren County) 61 X X X Mayfield Lake 62 X X Meacham Lake 63 X Mead Reservoir 64 X Mill Pond (Saratoga County) 65 X Minerva Lake 66 X Moody Pond 67 X Mountain View Lake 68 X X Nicks Lake 69 X North Pond 70 X Oseetah Lake 71 X X Oswegatchie River Impoundment 72 X Paradox Lake 73 X X X Patterson Reservoir 74 X Peck Lake 75 X X Penfield Pond 76 X Piercefield Flow 77 X Piseco Lake 78 X Putnam Pond 79 X Quebec Brook, Southeast Tributary 80 X Rainbow Falls Reservoir 81 X Raquette Lake 82 X Raquette Pond 83 X Rock Pond (Hamilton) 84 X Rockwood Lake 85 X X Rogers Pond 86 X Sacandaga Lake 87 X Saranac Lake, Lower 88 X X X Saranac Lake, Middle 89 X Saranac Lake, Upper 90 X X Schroon Lake 91 X X Second Pond, Saranac Chain 92 X X Simon Pond 93 X Soft Maple Reservoir 94 X Square Pond 95 X X Stark Falls Reservoir 96 X Stewarts Bridge Reservoir 97 X Stillwater Reservoir 98 X Taylor Pond 99 X Thendara Lake 100 X Titus Lake 101 X Tupper Lake 102 X Union Falls Flow 103 X X Utowana Lake 104 X Upper St. Regis Lake 105 X Webb Royce Swamp 106 X West Caroga Lake 107 X *This infestation has been eliminated. An infestation is considered eliminated if no plants are observed for three consecutive years. Monitoring will continue.
2020 Manual Page 7 Thank you for your interest and involvement in the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program! We really appreciate your effort to monitor a lake or pond for invasive aquatic plants. The information that you gather is a part of a regional effort to document the distribution and abundance of invasive plants throughout the Adirondacks. Early detection is the key to potential eradication. You are helping to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants! A list of supplies that you may find useful during monitoring is below, as well as the protocol we recommend that you follow.
Things you may need: ___Motor boat or canoe (& anchor to prevent drifting) ___Map of lake or pond ___Data sheet(s) (clipboard optional) ___Global Positioning System (optional for tracking sites) ___Paper towels ___Zip-lock bags ___Masking tape or labels to mark plastic bags ___Pencil and permanent marker ___Jar or baggie to float plants in for on-site viewing ___Rake with rope attached marked in feet (optional) ___Polarized sunglasses (recommended) ___Plant guide (recommended) ___Net (optional to catch floating fragments) ___Small ruler or magnifying lens (optional) ___View scope (optional – description in manual) ___Camera (optional – to take photos of plants for id) ___Cooler (optional – to keep plant samples cool)
We ask that you monitor at least once during the summer between mid-July and early- September. Eurasian watermilfoil in particular should be robust and flowering, making identification easier. Please complete data entry online (optional step; see below) and mail in data sheets and maps by September 15.
Depending on the size of the lake or pond and the number of volunteers available, you may want to consider monitoring over several days or segmenting the shoreline among volunteers. After completing the shoreline survey, please send your map and data sheet(s) to the address listed at the end of the ‘Survey Guidelines.’
APIPP has gone digital! For the past few years, APIPP has offered optional training for volunteers to perform online data entry after they completed their lake survey. In 2012, we officially integrated online data entry into our volunteer monitoring protocol and encouraged all aquatic volunteers to participate. We are using iMapInvasives (http://imapinvasives.org), a state-wide online tool for invasive species reporting and data management. We are encouraging all aquatic volunteers to participate, but this is an optional step. We understand
2020 Manual Page 8 the various limitations that come with online data entry and ask that you perform it only if you feel comfortable. If you are unable to enter data online, that’s okay! Please send your paper forms to APIPP’s Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator. If you are interested in entering your survey data online:
• You need an iMap account to enter your data online. In order to set up an account, visit the iMap Invasives website https://imapinvasives.natureserve.org/imap/login.jsp.
• Contact APIPP’s Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinate to let them know that you will be entering your data into iMap and tell them to add you to the “APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program” Project.
• You’re all set to enter your data online! If you feel you need additional guidance, we have created step-by-step instructions on how to enter data online using iMap; please see the “How to Enter Data in iMapInvasives” page in your training manual.
Note: There are TWO different data sheets; a Survey data sheet and an Observation/Assessment data sheet.
A survey is a planned search of an area to determine presence or absence of specific invasive species.
An observation is a report of a specific species, at a specific place, on a specific date. Multiple observations can be made for the same population.
An assessment provides detailed information about an observation. This can include the intensity of infestation, damage caused by the organism, and details about the surrounding area.
All volunteers performing a lake survey will fill out the Survey data sheet. If you observe an aquatic invasive species while surveying, you will also fill out the Observation/Assessment data sheet. If you do not see an aquatic invasive species while surveying, you DO NOT need to fill in the Observation/Assessment data sheet.
2020 Manual Page 9 HOW TO CONDUCT A SURVEY
BEWARE OF THE LOOK-ALIKES! A number of native plants may resemble the invasive aquatic plants for which we will be surveying. Bladderwort, water weed (elodea), coontail, and native watermilfoils can easily be confused with invasive plants. The look-alikes have distinctive variations, however. Pay close attention to plant structures and use your plant identification sheets to help distinguish between similar types of plants.
1. Conduct monitoring on a day when the lake is fairly calm so ripples and small waves do not prevent you from seeing plants below the surface of the water. Plants will be more visible on a sunny day rather than a dark, cloudy one.
2. Know the length of the watercraft you will be using to monitor. This will provide a measurement of comparison when reporting the length and width of any invasive aquatic plant beds.
3. There are a number of methods to use to search for aquatic invasive plant species. These include topside inspection from your watercraft, rake tossing, or snorkeling. All steps will be the same for surveying by visual inspection, rake tossing, or snorkeling. Additional instructions for rake tossing are listed in #7.
4. Move slowly around the perimeter of the lake or pond, staying in waters about 15 ft deep or less. A weaving or zig-zag pattern along the shoreline will enable you to cover a larger area. Look for aquatic plant growth at or below the surface.
5. As you move around the shoreline, pay extra attention to areas where invasive plants are more likely to be found. These areas include the inlets, outlet, boat launch sites, marinas, beaches, existing native plant beds, and other shallow areas.
6. If you observe suspicious plants, place the plants in a baggie or jar with water to allow them to float freely for easier inspection and identification.
7. If using the rake toss method, we recommend anchoring at sites with submerged aquatic plant beds and at the sites listed in #5. Perform three rake tosses, each from a different side of the boat. To perform a rake toss: a. Pitch the rake out of the boat several feet away making sure the tines (teeth) of the rake are pointed down toward the water. b. Allow the rake to rest on the floor of the lake. c. Pulling inward on the rakeline, drag the rake gently for a few feet along the bottom and bring the rake back into the boat.
2020 Manual Page 10 d. Remove the vegetation trapped on the rake tines and place into separate piles according to plant type. Inspect the plants to identify any target invasive plants. Keep all plants until final rake throw at the site.
8. IF INVASIVE OR SUSPICIOUS PLANTS ARE NOT PRESENT at the site you are investigating, put plants back into the water and continue along the shoreline to the next site. You do not need to record this site on the Observation/Assessment data sheet or map.
9. **IF INVASIVE OR SUSPICIOUS PLANTS ARE PRESENT** at the site, continue with steps a-i below to fill out the information on your Observation/Assessment data sheet, then proceed onward. The measurements below are only for when non-native, invasives are present. a. Assign an observation number to the site and record on the Observation/Assessment data sheet for ‘Observation’. Also mark the observation number on the map. b. Record the GPS coordinates of the observation if you have a GPS. Otherwise, make sure the observation number is marked on the map. c. Record the name of the invasive plant on data sheet for ‘Invasive species name’ (if unsure of the plant name, assign it a letter name, e.g. Species A). d. Estimate the size of the plant bed, length and width in feet, on data sheet for ‘Size of plant bed’. Draw the outline of the plant bed on the map. e. Estimate invasive plant distribution and record on data sheet for ‘Invasive distribution’. 1. Single plant or clump 2. Scattered plants/clumps 3. Dense plants/clumps 4. Linearly scattered 5. Monoculture f. Estimate the Percent Cover of the area taken up by the AIS within plant bed or infested area. The estimate can be given in the following ranges: less than 5%, 5-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100%. g. Record the depth at the site by using the measurements on your rakeline. h. Choose samples of the invasive or suspicious plant if possible, including stems, leaves, and flowers if present. Wrap the plants in a damp paper towel and place in a labeled plastic baggie with the lake/pond name, your contact info, date and observation number. Place in cooler if available.
****After preparing this sample, if you find the same invasive or suspicious plant at other sites, and you’re sure that it is the same one, you need only to fill out the data sheet and map and do not need to send in additional samples.*****
2020 Manual Page 11 i. Keep all invasive or suspicious plant fragments from rake throws until after the survey and dispose of them in the garbage or on dry land.
10. When monitoring is complete, highlight on your map the area of shoreline you were able to monitor and complete the Survey data sheet.
11. When you’re leaving, check your boat for any plant fragments. Remove and dispose of any plants on dry land.
12. Optional step: Enter your data online using iMapInvasives. See the second page of the Survey Guidelines for instructions on creating an iMap account and the “How to Enter Data Into iMapInvasives” page in your training manual.
13. After you complete all the above steps, please mail or email a copy of the data sheet(s), map, and samples of any invasive or suspicious plants found by September 15.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP TO MONITOR ADIRONDACK WATERS!!
2020 Manual Page 12 What To Do With a Suspicious or Invasive Plant Sample
If you find an aquatic plant that looks like Eurasian watermilfoil, variable-leaf watermilfoil, water chestnut, curly-leaf pondweed, fanwort, European frog-bit, or another invader:
1. Choose samples of the plant, including stems, leaves and flowers if present.
2. Take a high-quality photo of the samples and include an object in the photo for scale (e.g. ruler or penny).
3. Contact APIPP’s AIS Project Coordinator as soon as possible and submit photos and map upon request.
4. Wrap the collected plant material in a slightly damp paper towel and place in a sealed plastic baggie.
5. Label baggie with the lake/pond name, Town/County name, your contact information, date, and observation number (the observation number is the one assigned while monitoring).
6. Keep the samples refrigerated until requested by APIPP’s AIS Project Coordinator.
7. Mail or Bring to: APIPP Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator c/o Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy P.O. Box 65 Keene Valley, NY 12943
Sample label for suspicious or invasive plant: Lake Name: Date: Observation #: Town/County Name:
Contact Name: Address: Phone: Email:
2020 Manual Page 13 If you have an existing iMap2 account… please follow the instructions below to log in to iMap3.
1. Access Login page: Click the button OR Click the button located at the top of the Map page. 2. If this is your first time accessing the iMap3 site, you do not yet have a password associated with your iMap3 account. o Click the "Forgot Password?" link. o On the Recover Your Password page, enter the email address associated with your iMap2 account into the Email box. o Click the Reset Password button. 3. Check your email - you should have received an email with the subject "iMapInvasives password reset link". Don’t forget to check your spam folder!
o Click the “Reset your Password” link within the email. o Click the Accept Agreement button at the bottom of the User Agreement page. o On the Enter New Password page, enter the password you would like to use for your iMap3 account and click the Reset Password button. 4. Return to the iMapInvasives login page. 5. To log in: enter the same email address, used above, into the Email field, type your new password into the Password field, and click the Log In button. If you think you have an existing iMap2 account, but you are having trouble logging in, please contact us at [email protected] before creating a new account!
Please Note: iMapInvasives User Agreement language has been updated. 2020 Manual Page 14 If you do not have an existing iMap2 account… please follow the instructions below to create an account and log in to iMap3.
1. Enter your information into the Sign-Up box. o Please note that the password you choose must be at least 8 characters long, with a number and an uppercase letter. o In the Jurisdiction field, select the state or province in which you most commonly collect data. This can be changed later. 2. When you have filled out all the required fields, click the Join button. 3. If you receive this error:
you may have an existing iMap2 account or you may have already signed up for iMap3 with your email address. Please attempt to log into iMap3 or click the "Forgot Password?" link to reset your password (see other side). If you are having trouble signing up for or logging into iMap3, please contact us at https://www.imapinvasives.org/contact-us
Please Note: Remember to review the iMapInvasives User Agreement language. 2020 Manual Page 15 How to Enter Observation/Assessment and Survey Data Online
Thank you for your willingness to enter your data online using iMapInvasives! iMapInvasives has recently released a new version on the online reporting platform, so we have updated these steps accordingly. Please contact APIPP’s Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator if you have any questions about this process. The following steps are guidelines for entering your data online into iMapInvasives.
Steps for Entering Data into iMap Invasives
1. Go to the iMapInvasives home page map (https://imapinvasives.natureserve.org/imap/). Login by clicking the “Login” button from the menu in the top right corner. If you do not yet have an iMapInvasives login, you can sign up for one from the login page. 2. Zoom into the lake/pond that you surveyed by either using the + and – buttons in the upper left of the screen, or search for an address, location name, or GPS coordinates by using the button with the hand lens. 3. Once you are logged in, you will see the button to “+ Create Record” in the menu in the upper right corner. Click this button. 4. In the lower left corner of your screen, a box will open to create a record. Click the “Multi-Record Searched Area”. 5. Draw a polygon of your searched area on the map. Make sure that the shape type selected is “Polygon”. Each time you click the map, a corner of your polygon will be dropped. Double click when you have completed the polygon of your searched area. If you made a mistake, you can redraw or edit the polygon. Once you are happy with the shape of the polygon, click “next”. 6. If you did not observe an AIS during your lake survey, click “next” and go to step #10. If you did observe an AIS, you will create a record for each observation of an AIS that you made on the lake by clicking “Add Presence Record”. 7. For each AIS presence observation, you can enter the location by drawing a point or polygon, selecting the entire searched area, or enter the coordinates. If you made a mistake, you can redraw or edit the polygon. Once you are happy with the shape of the polygon, click “next”. 8. You will now enter the Presence Record Details for each AIS found at that location: a. Present Species: From the drop-down menu, select the species (or multiple species) that you found at that location. b. Observer: Make sure that the Observer is your name. c. Date: Select the correct date. d. Tagged Project: Select “APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program”. e. For each species present, fill out the following:
2020 Manual Page 16 i. Photos of Present Species: upload any photos you took. This is not required, but strongly encouraged. ii. Number Found: If the amount you found was small enough to count individuals, enter the number here. If the population was too large to count, leave blank. iii. Percent Cover: Estimate the percent of the area covered by the AIS (less than 5%, 5-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100%). iv. Distribution: Provide an overall description of the distribution of the AIS (Single plant or clump, scattered plants/clumps, dense plants/clumps, linearly scattered, or monoculture) v. Comments: Add any additional comments about the AIS for this site. vi. Tagged Projects: Select “APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program”. vii. Repeat steps i-vi for each additional AIS that you found at this location. f. Once you have entered all the data for this location, click “next”. 9. Repeat steps 6-8 for each distinct location that you found an AIS. Once you have added presence records for each distinct location of AIS, click “next”. 10. Under Treatment Records, for this project we are only reporting populations, not treating them, so you can click “next”. 11. Not-Detected Details: You will now enter details for the AIS that you actively looked for and did not find during your survey. a. Not Detected Species: Select the AIS that you were on the lookout for but did not find during your survey. The list might include: i. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) ii. Variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) iii. Water chestnut (Trapa natans) iv. Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) v. Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) vi. European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) vii. Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) b. Time Searched: Enter the amount of time that you spent on the lake doing your survey. If there were multiple people in the survey crew, multiply the number of people by the number of hours it took to do the survey to get the total time searched. c. Observer: Make sure that it shows your name. d. Date: Select the correct date. e. Tagged Project: Select “APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program”. f. For each species present, fill out the following:
2020 Manual Page 17 i. Reason for Not Detecting: Select “Species has never been detected here previously”. ii. Comments: Add any additional comments about that not-detected AIS for this survey. iii. Tagged Projects: Select “APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program”. iv. Repeat steps i-iii for each additional not-detected AIS for this survey. g. Once you have entered all the Not-Detected Details, click “next”. 12. Summary: iMapInvasives will give you a summary of the survey. Review and edit any mistakes. Click “Complete”. 13. Write down any record numbers that were produced and add them to your datasheet. Then click “Close”. 14. You have finished filling out the iMap Survey Form!
Sending in Data Sheets to APIPP
Please mail or email a copy of the data sheet(s), map, and samples of any invasive or suspicious plants found by September 15.
*We are always trying to improve online data entry process using iMapInvasives. Your comments and suggestions on this process are welcomed! If you have questions at any time, please contact Erin Vennie-Vollrath at [email protected] or (518) 576- 2082.
2020 Manual Page 18 Preserve, County, State: Various counties in the Adirondack region
Date of Volunteer Activities: Anytime from June through the end of September
Project Leader: Erin Vennie-Vollrath, Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), is the contact person for volunteers performing lake surveys. However, Erin does not typically accompany volunteers as they perform their surveys.
Description of Volunteer Stewardship Activities: APIPP aquatic volunteers who have had experience spending time in and on the water will be monitoring water bodies throughout the Adirondack region looking for aquatic invasive plants and/or animals. Volunteers are trained in aquatic invasive species identification and survey techniques prior to conducting surveys. Type of terrain/water body/length of time will vary depending on the size of the water body and the abilities of the volunteer(s). Volunteers will be using motorized or non-motorized boats to travel on the water, and survey techniques will include visual methods, performing rake tosses, sieving, netting, or snorkeling, depending on the water body being surveyed, the species being surveyed, and the abilities of the volunteer(s). Volunteers might encounter hazards typical to the Adirondacks, such as wild animals, forest pests, snakes, rough and/or slippery terrain, moving/rough waters and quickly changing, possibly adverse, weather conditions. There are no emergency medical facilities readily accessible.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY - STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
In consideration of my participation as a volunteer member of a survey crew of The Nature Conservancy (”Conservancy”) performing stewardship activities, I agree as follows:
1. I will follow the instructions of the Project Leader.
2. I understand the proper operation of the equipment I am to use. I understand that my participation in this work may involve sustained strenuous physical activity.
3. I am in good health and I am aware of no physical problem or condition which will limit or interfere with my ability to participate as a member of the survey crew under either predicted or emergency conditions. I also understand that medical attention may not be readily available.
4. I understand that the stewardship activities may involve dangerous activities or situations. I agree that I am participating on the survey crew at my own risk, and acknowledge that the Conservancy has made no warranty or representation, express or implied, regarding the safety of conducting this work for the Conservancy.
5. I understand that I am not an employee of the Conservancy and that I will receive no compensation or other employment-related benefits from the Conservancy.
6. On behalf of myself, my heirs, successors and assigns, I hereby forever release, indemnify and hold the Conservancy, its officers, directors, employees and agents, harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses arising from or in any way related to, my service as a volunteer. I intend this release to be effective, regardless of whether the claim of liability is asserted in negligence, strict liability in tort, or other theory of recovery.
7. I grant the Conservancy permission to take photographs and video recordings of me and to display, publish or otherwise use any photographs, video recording, or any other media
2020 Manual Page 19 associated with the stewardship activities, including any media which contains my image or likeness, for the Conservancy’s purposes. I also consent to the use of my name in connection with such images. I release, indemnify and hold harmless the Conservancy and its officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all claims which may result at any time by reason of the use of my image and name, including, without limitation, claims of privacy. My heirs, executors, administrators and assigns shall be bound by this consent and release.
8. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have thoroughly read and understand this form and that the statements I have made in it are all true, and that I am at least 18 years of age or, if I am not 18 years of age, the signature and consent of my parent or legal guardian is included below.
Please note: The Conservancy provides secondary insurance coverage to supplement your own health insurance in the event of injury. If you would like more information about our policy, please ask for a pamphlet.
Volunteer’s Signature: ______
Volunteer’s Printed Name: ______
Date: ______
Acknowledgment by Project Leader By signing below, I acknowledge that I have thoroughly reviewed this form with the volunteer named above.
______Signature of Project Leader Date
PARENTAL CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION BY MINORS
I am the parent or legal guardian of ______, who has my permission to participate in the volunteer stewardship activities described above. I make all of the representations and agree to all of the terms specified above with respect to my child's or ward's participation in these activities.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ______
Printed Name: ______
Date: ______
2020 Manual Page 20 APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program 2020 Data Sheet - Aquatic Survey
(*Required fields) Survey ID# (provided if you enter your data online): ______Lake/Pond Name* Waterbody Type* Bay/inlet River/stream Town/County* Canal/ditch Wetland Resulting Observation ID #s (if you entered data in iMapInvasives) Lake/pond
Targeted Species General Survey Method* Top Water / Underwater / Dry Land Specific Survey Method* Top-side (visual) Scuba Targeted Species Detected* Rake-toss Snorkel Other View-scope Survey Start Date/End Date* Survey Method Comments Land Ownership* public / private / NGO / other Ownership Comments Usage of area* Boats - motorized No boats Boats - non-motorized Other Lead Volunteer Name* Usage of Area Comments Phone or email* Additional Volunteer Survey Crew - Names General Comments
Volunteer Crew Size* Volunteer Crew Person Hours* (# of hrs surveying x # of people) Is there an invasive species sign posted at the boat launch site? Yes or No Transportation Method* boat (motor) / boat (non-motorized) / In-water / other If no, would you like to be supplied with a sign? Yes or No Survey Transportation Method Comments Please highlight the shoreline surveyed on your map, fill out Adverse Conditions (e.g. weather conditions, lack of access, etc.) the Volunteer Project Release Form, and send data sheet(s), map, and release form and any other invasive or suspicious plants to: Search Intensity of Shoreline* partial / entire APIPP AIS Project Coordinator Intensity Comments PO Box 65 Keene Valley, NY 12943 Follow-up survey needed? yes / no
THANK YOU FOR2020 ManualYOUR Page 21STEWARDSHIP! APIPP Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Observation/Assesment Data Sheet
Lake/Pond Name: ______Town/County:______Date:______
Observation1 GPS Coordinates2 AIS Name Size of Plant Bed3 Invasive Distribution4 % Cover5 Depth (ft) Observation ID* Assessment ID*
1. The number of invasive species locations you find beginning with 1. * These ID #s are given to you after you enter Observation and Assessment information online 2. If known, please enter the Datum of your GPS unit. Example: NAD83 or WGS84 are most common. using iMapInvasives; if you are not entering data 3. Estimate bed size in feet as length x width. Example: 45x30 feet. online, leave blank 4. Single plant or clump, scattered plants/clumps, dense plants/clumps, linearly scattered, or monoculture 5. Estimate the % of the area covered by the AIS (less than 5%, 5-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100%)
2020 Manual Page 22 2020 Manual Page 23 2020 Manual Page 24 2020 Manual Page 25 Plant Monitoring Tools
Plant Sampling Rake Construction Instructions:
Step 1: Cut the heads off two metal garden rakes, approximately 3-6 inches from the metal heads
Step 2: Line up the back of the heads, as show in diagram to the left
Step 3: Using plastic zip ties every 2-3 tines, attach the rakes. Tighten the ties as much as possible, and cut them off at the collar
Step 4: Connect the “necks” of the rake heads (see diagram) with 1-2 zip ties
Step 5: Connect the “shoulders” of the rake heads (see diagram) with 1 tie near the neck and 1 tie near the heads on each side of the rake(s)
Step 6: Connect the tethered line to the rake. This can be done in one of two ways: (a) drill a hole through the top of the wood handles and draw the line through the hole, tying the line off on one side; or (b) wrap the line around the shoulders in a figure 8, and then around the outside of the shoulders, tying the line off on one side.
Step 7: Wrap the other end of the line around a winder
Step 8: Duct tape the wood handles together to keep them from separating
2020 Manual Page 26 Plant Monitoring Tools - Continued
Aquatic Plant View Scope
A Plexiglass-bottomed viewing tube or viewscope eliminates surface glare and choppiness, making it much easier to observe submerged plants. Viewscopes are available from equipment suppliers such as the Nuova Rade Aquascope (https://www.nuovarade.com) and Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply (http://www.watermonitoringequip.com/pages/lake.html).
Several volunteer monitoring programs save money by making their own viewscopes. The New Hampsire Lakes Lay Monitoring Program uses a scope made from a 2-3 foot length of lightweight, 4 inch diameter PVS pipe.
Volunteers with Vermont's Lay Monitoring Program use a "Stangle Scope," which provides a larger viewing area than conventional viewscopes. Designed by Vermont DEC biologist Peter Stangle, the Stangle scope is made from two 5-gallon plastic buckets painted black on the insides and screwed together top-to-top. A plexiglass "window" is installed in a hole cut in the bottom of one bucket, and a face hole is cut at the other end of the scope. Foam padding around the face hole seals out light. (A shorter model can be made from a single bucket with a lid.)
Construction instructions for the Stangel Scope are provided on the next page.
2020 Manual Page 27 Stangel Scope Construction Details How to Make an Aquatic Plant View Scope
Materials for Single Scope: - Perfect for use from a kayak or canoe . clean 5 gallon bucket with lid . 1 can of flat black spray paint . clear, water-proof silicone . 1/8" plexiglass . 3/16" screws ( 1/2" long) with nuts . 6 washers . foam padding (optional)
Single Scope Instructions:
1. Make a template of the inside of the bucket: a circle approximately 10 3/8 inch in diameter: . mark three places for holes to be drilled (hole size is 3/16 inch) . have plexiglass cut to your template 2. Cut out the bottom of the bucket, leaving a one inch lip all the way around. . drill three holes (that match your template locations) in the lip. 3. Cut a hole in the lid that is half the size of the bottom hole (face hole). 4. Paint the inside of the bucket and lid black. 5. Fit the plexiglass in the bucket and attach with screws with the nuts on the outside. 6. Seal plexiglass and screws with silicone. 7. Place lid on and add foam around face hole to make more comfortable to use (optional).
Materials for Double Scope: - Perfect for use from a motorboat or dock . The same materials are required except the number of screws, nuts, and washers needs to be doubled as well as obtaining a second identical bucket.
Double Scope Instructions:
1. Follow the same instructions for the single scope for producing the viewing bucket. 2. Cut a hole in the second bucket that is half the size of the hole in the other bucket (face hole). 3. Place the buckets together with the handles on opposite sides so that you will have a way to hold the scope. 4. Drill three holes in each upper lip of the buckets making sure they are properly aligned in order to screw them together.
2020 Manual Page 29 Invasive Aquatic Plants
in Adirondack waters Brittle (Slender) Naiad Najas minor Curly-leaf Pondweed Potamogeton crispus Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum European Frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Southern Naiad* Najas guadalupensis Swollen Bladderwort* Utricularia inflata Variable-leaf Watermilfoil Myriophyllum heterophyllum Water Chestnut Trapa natans Yellow Floating Heart Nymphoides peltata
* These species are native to the U.S., but their historic presence in the Adirondacks is unknown. They are considered “watched” species and their populations should be monitored. in New York waters Brazilian Elodea Egeria densa European Water Fern Marsilea quadrifolia Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Starry Stonewort Nitellopsis obtusa Lake Watercress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Parrot Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Pond Water Starwort Callitriche stagnalis Three-stamen Waterwort Elatine triandra Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes Water Primrose Ludwigia peploides Water Spangles Salvinia minima Water Yellowcress Rorippa amphibia
Encroaching upon New York waters Giant Salvinia Salvinia molesta Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides
2020 Manual Page 30 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Common Look Alike Plants
The four plants below are commonly confused. They illustrate the importance of carefully observing structural differences when distinguishing one plant from another.
Bladderwort: (Native) Leaves are finely divided in a branching pattern along the main stem of the plant. Small bladders occur along the branches of the leaves.
Coontail: (Native) Forked leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem. The leaves may be forked once or twice, and the leaf margins are usually finely toothed.
Eurasian watermilfoil: (Invasive) Leaves are arranged in whorls of three to six, with usually >12 pairs of thread-like leaflets on each leaf. Tips of leaves typically blunt, or "snipped" in appearance.
Fanwort: (Invasive) Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs on the main stem. A distinct petiole branches off the main stem of the plant. This petiole supports the finely divided, branched leaves that resemble a fan.
2020 Manual Page 31 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Mistakable Milfoils Native milfoils commonly found in the Adirondack Park
1 Myriophyllum farwellii Distinguishing Characteristics:
Closely spaced, scattered leaves (whorled and alternating) that give the plant a "bushy appearance" 1 Produces rigid fruit (small seeds) in the leaf axils
2
2 Myriophyllum humile Distinguishing Characteristics:
Leaves are strictly arranged alternately Produces smooth fruit in the leaf axils
3 Myriophyllum alterniflorum 3 Distinguishing Characteristics:
Smaller leaves than all other milfoils Produces flower spikes that have alternate rather than whorled flowers and bracts
2020 Manual Page 32 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Mistakable Milfoils Native milfoils commonly found in the Adirondack Park
4 Myriophyllum verticillatum Distinguishing Characteristics:
4 Fruits have bracts that are lobed, flowers emerge from the waters surface Produces winter buds that are submersed
5 Myriophyllum sibiricum 5 Distinguishing Characteristics:
Most closely resembles Eurasian watermilfoil Leaves are whorled Leaflets are usually fewer than 9 Leaves usually retain rigidity around stem when out of water
2020 Manual Page 33 APIPP Species of Concern Please Report Any Sightings
Eurasian Watermilfoil Variable-leaf Watermilfoil Curly-leaf Pondweed Myriophyllum spicatum Myriophyllum heterophyllum Potamogeton crispus
European Frog-bit Water Chestnut Fanwort Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Trapa natans Cabomba caroliniana
2020 Manual Page 34 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Invasive Plant Profile
Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum Biology: A submerged, perennial aquatic plant that grows in fresh inland water and fresh to brackish coastal waters. Stems have leaves arranged in whorls around the stem. Growing tips are tassle-like and reddish in color. It can reach surface waters while rooted in 3-5 meters of water and is capable of both sexual and vegetative reproduction. During late summer, tiny pink flowers may occur on red emergent spikes that stand several inches above the water. Habitat: Plants prefer still, shallow water and muddy shores with fine-textured inorganic sediments. Growth is less successful on steeply sloping shores and basins. Relative to other submerged aquatics, Eurasian Watermilfoil requires high light. Plants can survive under ice cover.
Origin: Native to Eurasia and Africa. (Copyright 1990 by IFAS, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University NY and Adirondack Range: of Florida, Gainesville) Expanding through Northeastern New Problems: York, particularly in the Hudson River - Albany region and the lakes in the Produces dense water canopies that foothills and mountains of the shade out native plants, including Adirondacks, especially Warren, Essex, waterfowl food plants. Infestations and Franklin counties. result in decreased oxygen levels under plant mats and an elevated pH. The Spread: decomposition of plant mass at the end of the season results in nitrogen and Introduced in the Chesapeake Bay Area phosphorous loading. Eurasian in the late 19th century. The primary Watermilfoil also provides breeding means of dispersal is plant regeneration grounds for mosquitoes, interferes with from fragmented stems. Plant fragments navigation and recreation, and clogs are spread by waterways, animals, and water intakes. motorboats. 2020 Manual Page 35 Invasive Plant Profile
Variable-leaf Watermilfoil Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Biology: Variable-leaf watermilfoil is a submerged perennial aquatic plant that is usually found rooted in up to 1.8 m (6 ft) of water. Its name comes from its two noticeably different forms of submerged and emergent leaves. Submerged leaves are finely dissected into thread-like leaflets, which are arranged in dense whorls of 4-5, giving it a bottlebrush appearance. Emergent leaves may not appear until late summer and are bright green, oval, narrow, and stand 6-7.9 inches out of the water. Emergent flower spikes emerge on green to reddish stalks from June-September. Stems are stout and usually dark red to reddish- brown.
Habitat: Plants can thrive in freshwater ponds, lakes, ditches, and other still or flowing aquatic systems, and even survives under ice. (Drawing: University of Florida Center for Aquatic Invasive Plants)
Origin: Spread: Variable-leaf watermilfoil is native to parts of the Reproduction is primarily through vegetative frag- United States but has become invasive in most of ments, which can easily hitchhike on boats, trail- the northeast. ers, fishing equipment, and other recreational gear. It may also reproduce via seed production, but likely to a lesser extent.
NY and Adirondack Range: Problems: Variable-leaf watermilfoil has been found in Variable-leaf watermilfoil can alter ecosystems by many waterways in NY and in the Adirondack forming dense mats that shade out native plants, region and continues to spread. inhibit water flow, and impede recreational activities like boating and swimming.
2020 Manual Page 36 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Invasive Plant Profile
Water Chestnut Trapa natans
Biology: Problems: An annual, fast growing, floating aquatic Mats of Water Chestnut plants can cover plant that can grow up to 16 feet long. large expanses of water. Submerged Leaves are triangular and toothed. native aquatic plants are reduced due to Flowers with 4 white petals are produced shading. Infestations can make boating, in July. Thorny, black nutlets with fishing, and swimming difficult or terminal barbs mature in late July and impossible. Rapid sedimentation may are easily dispersed by water. Seeds may occur in Water Chestnut areas due to remain viable in the sediment for one to trapping of silt. Rapid decomposition of five or more years. A true annual, Water plants at the end of summer can reduce Chestnut overwinters entirely by seed. dissolved oxygen levels. Seeds can cause painful injury when stepped on. Habitat: Requires full sunlight and a soft substrate. Plants can survive on mudflats but normally grow in water several cm to 2 meters deep. High nutrient waters and neutral to alkaline pH are preferred. Origin: Native to temperate southern Europe and Asia. NY and Adirondack Range: The lower Mohawk River, the Hudson River from the Mohawk to Iona Island, and Watervliet Reservoir near Albany. In the Adirondack Park, only Lake Champlain. Spread: Introduced into Collins Lake (near Scotia, NY) in 1884 as an ornamental. Plant fragments can float long distances and establish new colonies. The nutlets/seeds are transported when they (Aquatic vascular plants of New England, Copyright 1997 by the Massachusetts attach to the feathers of waterfowl. Dept. of Environmental Management Lakes and Ponds Program) 2020 Manual Page 37
WATER CHESTNUT Trapa natans
Water chestnut is an aquatic invasive plant that is native to Eurasia and Africa. Introduced in the United States in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant, water chestnut was soon found growing in Collins Lake near Scotia, NY. Water chestnut colonizes areas of freshwater lakes, ponds and slow- moving streams and rivers where it negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems and water recreation.
▐ Where is water chestnut found? Water chestnut is found in forty-three counties in New York. Many of the infestations are reported in or near the Hudson River. No water chestnut has been reported in the following counties: Allegany, Cortland, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Kings, Lewis, Livingston, New York, Orleans, Queens, Richmond, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Warren, and Wyoming.
▐ How do I identify water chestnut? Water chestnut is an annual plant with a submerged stem 12-15 feet long with fine roots that anchor it to the soil. Its floating leaves are triangular with saw-toothed edges and hollow, air-filled stems. Leaves form a rosette around a central point. Its four petaled, white flowers bloom in June. The fruits are hard nuts with four-inch barbed spines. Seeds within these fruits can remain viable for up to 12 years.
▐ How does it spread? Water chestnut spreads by rosette and fruits detaching from the stem and floating to another area on currents. They also spread by clinging to floating objects, including recreational watercraft, the pads of boat trailers, and fishing equipment.
▐ What are its impacts? Water chestnuts form dense mats of rooted vegetation that can be very difficult to get through in a boat, kayak, canoe, or when swimming. Water chestnut fruits are often found along the shoreline and bottom of waterways: their very sharp spines can cause painful wounds when stepped on. The dense mats of vegetation shade out native aquatic plants that provide food and shelter to native fish, waterfowl, and insects. Decomposition of these mats reduces dissolved oxygen levels Mike Naylor, Maryland Department of and may impact fish. Property values along shorelines of infested Natural Resources waters may decrease.
2020 Manual Page 38 ▐ What are the tools for management? Water chestnut can be controlled using manual, mechanical, and chemical methods. As with all other infestations, early detection is key for containing and controlling spread. The smaller the size of the infestation, the more easily it can be eradicated and its economic and ecological impacts reduced. Hand-pulling when rosettes first appear (mid-June to early July) is an effective way to control spread and reduce the size of infestations. This method is impractical if the infestation covers a large area. For larger infestations, as in Lake Champlain, harvesting machines are used. Applications of aquatic herbicides approved for use in New York can also be effective. Because the fruits remain viable for up to twelve years in the sediment, it will take several years for both mechanical Angela May and Beth Walker, Marion and chemical methods to be fully effective. NYS DEC is currently Elementary School funding a study of the effectiveness of predator insects from water chestnut’s native range.
▐ What can I do to help? Prevention is the most effective method for dealing with invasive species. If they are never introduced, they never become established. Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft, trailer, and equipment before and after each use. Regulation 6 NYCRR Part 576 (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html) requires everyone who uses watercraft on public waters to follow this protocol. When possible, use the following methods to fully decontaminate your equipment. (Consult DEC’s website regarding this protocol: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html) – Clean the outside of the watercraft and trailer with high pressure (2500 psi) hot water (140F) for 10 seconds. – Flush the inside of the motor and all compartments (bilge, live well, bait buckets, ballast, etc.) with hot water (140F) for two minutes. – Soak fishing gear and equipment in hot water (140F) for two minutes. Dump bait bucket water where it came from or on land.
Become a Chestnut Chaser! Early detection of infestations helps to reduce removal costs and ecological impacts. We know that water chestnut is underreported in New York State. Each summer we encourage folks to survey their favorite swimming holes, lakes, ponds, and nearby waterbodies for water chestnut. If you think you’ve found water chestnut please take several photos and submit a report to iMapInvasives www.imapinvasives.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION Invasive Species Coordination Unit Division of Lands and Forests Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4253 P: (518) 402-9405 | [email protected] www.dec.ny.gov
2020 Manual Page 39 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Invasive Plant Profile
Curlyleaf Pondweed Potamogeton crispus
Biology: Problems: A submerged perennial with reddish- New plants form under ice cover during green leaves that have distinct wavy late winter, making Curlyleaf Pondweed edges. Leaves are finely toothed, oblong one of the first non-native, invasive in shape, and typically about three inches aquatic plants to emerge in the early long. The plant's flat, reddish-brown spring. Plant die-offs in mid-summer stem grows from one to 16 feet long. may result in a critical loss of oxygen. Most reproduction is from winter buds Also, decaying plant matter can increase but seed production is possible. Plants water nutrients and contribute to begin to die back by mid-July. subsequent algal blooms.
Habitat: Plants are tolerant of low light and low water temperatures and are commonly found in alkaline and high nutrient waters. Invades shallow as well as deep water areas of 12 feet or more. Origin: Native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.
NY and Adirondack Range: Found in lakes, ponds, and streams throughout NY state. In the Adirondack Park, documented in Lake Champlain and various waterbodies in eastern portions of the Park.
Spread: A popular aquarium plant, it was accidentally introduced to U.S. waters by hobbyists in the mid 1880's. The plant spreads through burr-like winter (Aquatic vascular plants of New England, Copyright 1997 by the Massachusetts buds called turions. Each plant can yield Dept. of Environmental Management Lakes and Ponds Program) hundreds of turions which are moved through water ways. 2020 Manual Page 40 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Invasive Plant Profile
Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana
Biology: Problems: A submerged, bright green aquatic plant The presence of Fanwort has not had any with two types of leaves. The submersed major impacts on water-related activities leaves are fan-like, opposite, and in New York state. However, in other whorled. Floating lily-like leaves are states it can clog drainage canals and alternate, linear, and one-half to one inch freshwater streams preventing water long. They are found on the water's flow and recreational activities. Fanwort surface during flower production. has been known to form canopies and Flowers are small, whitish-pink, and alter the ecosystem by emergent. This plant has a slender stem crowding out other plants species. that is coated with a gelatinous slime. Fanwort flowers in late summer. Habitat: Frequently found in more acidic lakes, ponds, and quiet streams. Normally found in three to 10 feet of water. In deep lakes it can grow up to 20 feet long, surviving in water 30 feet deep. Alkaline waters can inhibit its growth. It is typically found inhabiting waters with a pH between 4 and 6. Origin: Native to the southern United States and Latin and South America. NY and Adirondack Range: Found in shallow lakes on Long Island and lakes in the Catskills. Fanwort has been identified in Saratoga county in the Adirondack Park. Spread: Introduced to the wild as a discarded aquarium plant. Reproduction can occur (Aquatic vascular plants of New England, Copyright 1997 by the Massachusetts by seed, stem fragments, or underground Dept. of Environmental Management Lakes and Ponds Program) roots. 2020 Manual Page 41 Invasive Plant Profile
European Frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Biology: Problems: European frog-bit is a floating leaved European frog-bit is capable of producing dense mats of aquatic plant that bears small white vegetation that completely cover the water surface. flowers. The plant has well-developed roots but These dense mats may shade out native vegetation, is free-floating, not anchored in the sediment. thereby reducing plant diversity. Where plant beds are Leaves are 1 to 2 inches wide, roundish and deeply dense they may decrease dissolved oxygen levels, notched at the base. Several plants may be connected entangle themselves around motorboat propellers, and together by runners. Reproduction by runners can be make swimming difficult. rapid over a single season. The plant also reproduces by seed and winter buds. The buds develop in late June, separate from the plant and sink to the bottom where they overwinter, and then rise to the surface in the spring to form a new plant. Habitat: European frog-bit can be found in wetlands, lakes, ponds, and rivers in shallow, sheltered bays and river banks.
Origin: Native to Europe.
NY and Adirondack Range: Expanding populations have been surveyed in Lake Ontario, the Saint Lawrence river, Northern New York and Lake Champlain. It has also been found in the Grasse River in the Western Adirondacks and a few waterways in the eastern Adirondacks near Lake Champlain.
Spread: Reproduction is most often vegetative via spreading stems and winter vegetative buds (turions). Frog-bit can easily become entangled on propellers and then spread to other waters. It is also believed that wildlife including beavers and waterfowl have aided the spread of frog-bit in New York.
2020 Manual Page 42
HYDRILLA Hydrilla verticillata
▐ What is hydrilla? Hydrilla or “water thyme” (Hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic weed from Asia that is one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control and eradicate in the United States. Infestations can have negative impacts on recreation and tourism, as well as severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems.
▐ Where is hydrilla located? Hydrilla was first discovered in 2008 in a small pond in Orange County and has since been discovered in Broome, Cayuga, Erie, Kings, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins, and Westchester counties. ▐ What does it do to rivers, lakes, and wetlands? Hydrilla can grow up to an inch a day, producing dense mats of vegetation that initially grow along the bottom of lakes and rivers. As they grow up to the water’s surface, these mats can become several feet thick. The mats shade out and displace native plants that provide food and shelter to native wildlife. They interfere with waterfowl feeding areas and fish spawning sites. Hydrilla disrupts water flow in reservoirs, hampers drainage in irrigation canals, and decreases dissolved oxygen in the water, which results in fish kills. The size and weight of sport fish are also reduced in areas infested with hydrilla.
▐ How can it impact me? Hydrilla’s dense mats of vegetation can interfere with boating, swimming, and fishing. Municipalities that rely on tourist dollars from recreational use of lakes and ponds can suffer serious losses in income due to an infestation. Waterfront property values can be greatly reduced, and property owners may incur some of the costs of management, which is expensive and long-term.
▐ How does hydrilla spread? In addition to producing seed, hydrilla has green overwintering buds called turions and tubers that grow at the end of the roots and store energy. New populations of hydrilla can sprout from any of these, as well as from plant fragments that easily break off from the main plant. Turions, tubers, and plant fragments can be carried by currents or boats, boat trailers, and fishing Dense mat of hydrilla in Croton River; Photo: C.McGlynn, gear to new locations. NYSDEC
2020 Manual Page 43 ▐ What are the tools for management? Several options for control and management are currently available and are used on a case-by-case basis. These options include: sterile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), benthic mats, hand pulling, and herbicide. Which management options are chosen depends upon factors including the size of the infestation, whether or not the waterbody is connected to other waterbodies, and the pattern of water movement in the waterbody. Several of these options have been used to aggressively manage infestations in the Cayuga Inlet and Erie Canal.
▐ What can I do? Inspect and remove plant fragments and mud from boats, trailers, and equipment before and after each use. Dispose of all debris in trash cans or above the waterline on dry land. Photo from Robert Vidéki , Doronicum Kft., Bugwood Note: tubers and turions can easily be transported in sediment. Clean and dry your equipment thoroughly before visiting other waterbodies. Do not dispose of unwanted aquarium plants in waterbodies, ditches, or canals. Monitor recently acquired aquatic plants because hydrilla tubers can be transported in the attached soil/growing material. Learn how to identify hydrilla and report infestations to DEC at [email protected]. More information about hydrilla can be found here: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/104790
Whorl of leaves with serrated edges. Illustration from Center for CONTACT INFORMATION Aquatic Invasive Plants, University of Florida, IFAS Invasive Species Coordination Unit Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4253 P: (518) 402-9405 | [email protected] www.dec.ny.gov
2020 Manual Page 44 Hydrilla Look - Alikes These plants all look very much alike. If you see anything that looks like the plants below collect a sample and contact the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program at 518- 576-2082. Please see the “Mailing in a Suspicious or Invasive Plant Sample” page in your APIPP manual for guidelines on collecting live specimens. Send specimens to: PO. Box 65 Keene Valley, NY 12943 ATTN: APIPP/Aquatics Coordinator
Hydrilla - INVASIVE Hydrilla verticillata Brazilian elodea - INVASIVE Egeria densa Waterweed - NATIVE Elodea canadensis Waterweed - NATIVE Elodea nuttalii
Leaves in 3s whorled around stem with narrow leaves, no teeth on margins of leaf Tuber in Sediment Leaves in 3s whorled Leaves in 3s or 5s whorled around Leaves in 4s or 5s whorled around stem with broader stem with curling tips, very toothed around stem with broader leaves, no teeth on or serrated on edges leaves, slightly toothed at margins of leaf edges 2020 Manual Page 45
Alternate – Arrangement of leaves at Nut or Nutlet – The plant seed. each node, spaced singly along a stem. Opposite – Leaves arranged on the stem Annual – A plant that completes its life in pairs directly across from one another. cycle and dies within one year. Perennial – A plant that lives for more Axil – The angle formed between two than two years. structures on a plant. Petiole – A leaf stalk. Bathymetry – Mapping of lake depths Rhizome – A creeping underground Bracts – Small leaves that are located stem. below a flower or a flower stalk. Rosette – An arrangement of leaves in a Divided – Plant structure that is cut into rotating pattern. distinct parts, used to describe leaves. Sheath – A portion of the leaf that wraps Exotic – Nonindigenous to a region or around the stem of the plant. country. Stipule – An appendage at the base of a Fruit – The seed bearing portion of a leaf stalk. plant. Tuber – A potato-like structure that Invasive – Tending to spread and then grows in the substrate and provides food dominate the new area. storage for the plant.
Margin – The edge of a leaf. Turion – Vegetative bud on a stem that can form new plants. Mid-rib – The central vein of a leaf that runs from the tip to the base of the leaf. Whorled – Arrangement of leaves or flowers with three or more radiating Native – Indigenous to a region or from a central point. county. Historically present.
Node – The point on a stem from which a leaf or branch grows.
Non-native – Nonindigenous to a region or country. An introduced species.
Nuisance – Impairing a human activity.
2020 Manual Page 46
Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Plant ID Petiole Key by Sean A. Regalado—Adirondack Watershed Institute 9a Leaves are complex with many forked leaflets attached by a petiole to the stem…………...…Fanwort (invasive) 9b Leaves are simple……..………...Other 1a The plant has bladder..…Bladderwort 1b The plant has no bladders…………...2 Fanwort Other
Bladders Crow and Hellquist 1982 Toothed margin Smooth margin 2a The plant is whorled…………..3 Center for Aquatic 2b The plant is opposite…………9 and Invasive Plants 10a Leaves are generally 1/2 inch wide and Gainesville, Flor da 2-3 inches long with numberless small 2c The plant is alternate……..…10 teeth along the margin of the leaf…...… 2d The plant forms rosette……..11 Curly-leaf pondweed (invasive) Whorled Opposite Alternate Rosette 10b Leaf edge smooth………………………. Native Pondweed
Curly-leaf Native Pondweed Pondweed 3a The leaves are simple……….4 11a Leaves are triangle-shaped, Dentate 3b The leaves are complex……..6 margin clearly dentate with airbladders Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Gaines- Parallel, heart on stem, and may have a hard ville, Flor da Complex shaped venation Simple nut with four 1/2 inch barbed spines...……………………...… Water chestnut (invasive) 11b Leaves are heart-shaped with the venation on the underside 4a The whorl has exactly three simple leaves……………………….Elodea of the leaf following the margin of the leaf in a parallel heart 4b The whorl has four or more simple leaves……………………………...5 shape…………………………... European frog-bit (invasive) Airbladder 1 2020 Manual Page3 47 Water Chestnut European Frog-bit Midrib Glossary of Terms 5a The simple leaves have toothed margins and midribs. Alternate Pertaining to an arrangement of leaves where only one leaf Four to eight leaves per whorl..…Hydrilla (invasive) is born at each level of the stem. 5b The simple leaves are not toothed. Often only four Complex A leaf that is divided by either many leaflets or is extremely leaves per whorl…..…...Brazilian Elodea (invasive) sinuous. Bladder In terms of aquatic plants, this is the carnivorous sack of Hydrilla Brazilian Elodea bladderworts that captures microinvertebrates and other small organisms. Bladders range in size from 0.2 mm to 1.2 6a Each leaf is complex with many “leaflets” cm. growing only from a midrib……...(Milfoils) 7 Dentate Pertaining to a leaf with a triangular, tooth like edge. 6b Each leaf is complex with each leaflet leaf Leaflet A small leaf like part of a true leaf. NOT growing from a midrib……..…...Other No single Margin The edge of a leaf. Midrib midrib (other) Opposite Pertaining to leaves occurring two at a node on opposite sides of the stem. Leaves collapse Rounded 7a The tips of the complex leaves Clipped to stem out of leaf tip Petiole The stalk of a leaf. appear clipped, leaflets are 12 or leaf tip water Rosette The arrangement of leaves in a dense, radiating cluster more in number, leaves collapse forming the base of the majority of plant mass. upon the stem when out of water, and whorls are >1” apart…………… Simple Pertaining to a leaf that is not divided. Eurasian watermilfoil (invasive) Whorled Pertaining to leaves arranged in a circle at one level of the 7b The tips are rounded and the leaves stem. remain bushy out of water, whorls are < 1” apart……..……………...8
To report a new aquatic invasive plant population, contact:
Erin Vennie-Vollrath 8a Stem robust, thick, and dark red and Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator whorls slightly offset, whorls may Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program contain 4-6 feathery leaves……… www.adkinvasives.com Variable-leaf milfoil (invasive) 518-576-2082 [email protected] 8b Stem not robust, thick or dark red. Often perfectly whorled with bright green leaflets….…...Native milfoil Variable-leaf Native Milfoil 2020 Manual Page2 48 4 Milfoil Eurasian Fanwort watermilfoil
Curly-leaf Variable-leaf pondweed watermilfoil Water chestnut Hydrilla
European frog-bit
2020 Manual Page 49 Fanwort: Water chestnut: Variable-leaf Eurasian Curly-leaf Cabomba caroliniana Trapa natans watermilfoil: watermilfoil: pondweed: Myriophyllum Myriophyllum • Triangular, floating Potamogeton crispus • Opposite, fan- heterophyllum spicatum shaped leaves leaves in a rosette • Thin, flexible stem • Thick stem often red • Stem flat, reddish- • Branching leaves • Seed with sharp pink/reddish or brownish brown with forked leaflets spikes • Bushy, feather-like • Leaves arranged in • Alternate leaves are • Elliptical floating • Bladder on stem leaves arranged in whorls, spaced out tightly packed whorls rigid & reddish- leaves may be pre- • Feather-like leaves along stem (2-3cm) of 4-6 (7-14 leaflets) green sent in summer below surface of the • 12-20 leaflets per • Small red/pink • Leaves with wavy, • White or yellowish water leaf flowers with finely toothed edges flowers serrated leaves • Leaf tips look like Photos: Robert Hill & Veronica Photos: Thomas Palmer & they’ve been snipped Photos: Jo Packet & Sheldon Navie Donald Cameron Tyson-Strait Photos: Emily Pomeroy & Gordon Keyes Photo: Emily Pomeroy Report Hydrilla: European observations to: Hydrilla verticillata frog-bit: APIPP Aquatic Invasive Hydrocharis morsus- • Toothed leaves Species Coordinator ranae (518) 576-2082 • Whorls of 3-8 • Free floating Please be sure to: • Midrib of leaves often rosettes • Take a picture of the reddish • Leaves heart- species observed • Undersides of leaf shaped with smooth may have one or • Record GPS coordi- edges nates or a detailed more spines • Small, white description of location. • Tubers at stem base flowers with 3 petals To learn more, visit: Photos: Jon Reis, NYS Federation of Lake Photos : Robin Scribailo & Michigan adkinvasives.com Associations State University
2020 Manual Page 50 Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)
Description The Asian Clam, Corbicula fluminea, is a small bivalve that is native to southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and Australia. They are found in sandy, muddy bottoms of streams, rivers, and lakes, usually slightly submerged in the sediment, but have been found buried in up to 7 inches below the surface. Asian Clams are hermaphroditic and have the ability to produce hundreds of juveniles per day. They can spread rapidly and reach densities up to 8,000 clams per square meter. Their average lifespan is 1-4 years.
Size: Small, usually less than 20 millimeters.
Exterior Features Color: Light tan or brown colored shell, but color can vary. The shell has thick elevated concentric growth rings.
Periostracum Growth2020 Ridge Manual Page 51 Interior Features
Color: The interior of the shell is layered with polished, white to light blue or light purple nacre.
Posterior Lateral Cardinal Teeth Tooth
Asian Clams have 3 cardinal teeth visible in Anterior Lateral each valve. Tooth The hinge has 2 lateral serrated teeth in each side of the right valve and one on each side of the left valve.
Native Fingernail Clam vs. Invasive Asian Clam The Asian Clam is an invasive species that are competitive filter feeders that can drastically alter aquatic ecosystems by decreasing available food quantities and outcompeting the native species. The 3 cardinal and 2 lateral teeth are what most distinguish the Asian Clam from our native clams. Fingernail Clams do not have serrated lateral teeth and only have 1 or 2 cardinal teeth. Native Fingernail Clam Invasive Asian Clam
Size: Small, 1-10 mm Size: Very Small, 1-5 mm
If unclear whether or not you have found the invasive Asian Clam, please contact the Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force at 518-620-6240 or [email protected] 2020 Manual Page 52
References: Richard Fox,Department of Biology, Lander University, Greenwood, SC 29649; Tahoe Resource Conservation District 6/17/2019 Zebra and Quagga Mussel – New York Invasive Species Information
Zebra and Quagga Mussel
Ecosystem impacts Physical Impacts Quagga Mussels
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
This clam-like bivalve mollusk, commonly called the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a native of the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe and western Asia—the Black, Caspian, and Aral Seas, and the Ural River drainage. It was introduced into several European freshwater ports during the late 1700s; within 150 years Dreissena was found throughout European inland waterways. Dreissena was first found in the Great Lakes in Lake St. Clair in 1988, where it is believed to have been introduced as the result of the discharge of freshwater international shipping ballast water.
Mussel grouping. Scott Camazine, New York Sea Grant
While there is still some disagreement as to whether the zebra mussel was introduced in a single location or whether the North American population is the result of multiple introductions in various locations over a number of years, what is certain is that once established in the Great Lakes, the zebra mussel spread rapidly across the eastern half of the continent, reaching 23 states and two provinces in only 15 years. Once established in the lakes, the mussel spread via intra- and interbasin ballast water movement; attachment to commercial ship and recreational boat hulls and boat trailers; movement of construction equipment; larvae carried by currents, in bait buckets and in recreational boat live wells; commercial bait and aquaculture shipments; and, natural movement in lake and river currents and flows. Zebra mussels have now crossed the 100th Meridian and are now found in 25 states nationwide.
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Zebra Mussels.
Ecosystem Impacts
Zebra mussels are small (generally under 5 cm), with elongated shells typically marked by alternating light and dark bands. Eggs (as many as one million per season per female) are fertilized outside the body in the spring or summer. Larvae (veligers) are free-swimming for up to 30 days, being dispersed by currents. Juvenile mussels settle to the bottom and attach to suitable hard substratum (rock, wood, shells of native mussels, and human- made surfaces such as concrete, steel, fiberglass, etc.) by secreting durable elastic strands called byssal threads; if no hard substrate is available, zebra mussels will also attach to vegetation. The mussels are generally found within 2 to 7 meters of the water surface but have been found as deep as 50 meters. Zebra mussels will colonize lakeshores and riverbanks where they attach to rock or gravel substrates, forming broad mats up to 10 to 15 cm in thickness. Colony densities may reach 20,000 per square meter. Extensive colonization of shoal areas could impair reproduction of species of fish (such as walleye and lake trout) that spawn only on rocky-bottomed areas. Zebra mussels are filter feeders, capable of filtering up to two liters of water per day per adult, feeding on phytoplankton, small zooplankton, detritus, and even bacteria down to approximately the one-micron size range. Such filtration can dramatically increase water clarity and significantly reduce lake productivity, changing aquatic plant and animal habitat value. It has been estimated that the zebra mussel population of the western basin of Lake Erie has the capability of filtering the entire volume of the basin daily. Since phytoplankton and detritus are major food sources for pelagic lake and riverine food webs, fisheries-related impacts can result from zebra mussel filtration activity. Excessive removal of phytoplankton, detritus and small zooplankton from the water column can result in a decline in zooplankton species that feed upon those food particles. Larger zooplankton species and larval fish of all species preying on smaller zooplankton face reduced survival as mussel populations expand. Changes in water transparency can favor a shift towards increased production of benthic algae.
Physical Impacts
Because of an affinity for water currents, zebra mussels extensively colonize water pipelines and canals, such as those in drinking water treatment plants, industrial facilities and electric power generation plants. Once inside an intake, the mussels are protected from predation and the ravages of the weather, resulting in very large densities of mussels (one Great Lakes power plant canal had up to 750,000 mussels per square meter). Such mussel growth can severely reduce water flow, result in a loss of intake head, obstruct valves, clog condensers and heat enchangers, result in noxious tastes and smells in treated water, produce nuisance methane gas, and increase electro-corrosion of steel and cast iron pipelines. Zebra mussels attached to a commercial or recreational 2020 Manual Page 54 nyis.info/invasive_species/zebra-and-quagga-mussel/ 2/4 6/17/2019 Zebra and Quagga Mussel – New York Invasive Species Information vessel’s hull increase drag and fuel consumption. Recreational use of beaches is impacted by colonization of cobble in nearshore areas and by littering of beaches by shells washed up by storm waves. Bathers on Great Lakes beaches have adopted the use of beach/bathing footgear to prevent cuts from zebra mussel shells. It has been estimated that since their introduction into North America, zebra mussels have caused $1 billion to $1.5 billion worth of economic harm.
Clogged pipe. Photo: Don Schloesser, USGS, Biological Resources Division
Quagga Mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis)
Originally thought to be a variant of the zebra mussel (D. polymorpha, see species profile, above), the quagga mussel (nicknamed after a now-extinct zebra-like quadruped), is now known to be genetically a separate, distinct species. For the general description of introduction, range expansion, and ecological and physical impacts, see the discussion in the profile of D. polymorpha. Zebra mussels possess a distinctly flattened ventral (hinge) surface as compared to the same side on quagga mussels, which presents a smoothly rounded surface. A simple field test to distinguish the two as large adult specimens is that a zebra mussel will usually sit upright on its ventral side, whereas a quagga mussel will tip over. On smaller mussels, with shells that have not finished forming, this is not a definitive test. A second test is that the valves (shell halves) on zebra mussels are symmetrical with the two valves meetings along a straight line, whereas on quagga mussels they are asymmetrical, with the two valves meeting along a curved line.
2020 Manual Page 55 nyis.info/invasive_species/zebra-and-quagga-mussel/ 3/4 6/17/2019 Zebra and Quagga Mussel – New York Invasive Species Information
Shell shape comparison of zebra mussel (D. polymorpha) on left and quagga mussel (D. bugensis) on right. USGS
Quagga mussels have been found to be able to survive and colonize in areas of soft substrate, such as sandy or silty lake bottoms, whereas zebra mussels that settle onto such bottoms usually do not survive. D. polymorpha is more tolerant of warm temperatures than is D. bugensis, capable of sustaining water temperatures of 30°C for extended periods of time and up to 39°C for several hours, while D. bugensis has an upper thermal tolerance limit of approximately 25°C. D. bugensis appears more efficient at growing under lower water temperatures than D. polymorpha. Quagga mussels can filter and incorporate food down to the sub-micron level, thereby including bacteria too small for zebra mussels or native clams and mussels to consume, giving the quaggas a competitive advantage over zebra mussels and native species when levels of larger plankton are too low to sustain large populations. There are no apparent salinity tolerance differences between the two species, each having chronic salinity tolerance levels of approximately 2 parts per thousand, allowing some, but not much, range expansion into tidal estuaries. A marked distribution replacement of D. polymorpha by D. bugensis is taking place in the Great Lakes; since the mid-1990s, D. bugensis has almost totally replaced D. polymorpha in Lakes Erie and Ontario, to the extent that the original zebra mussels are now very rare in most of eastern Lake Erie and throughout Lake Ontario. It is theorized that this might be due do the quagga mussel’s ability to colonize softer substrates than zebra mussels, to the quagga’s ability to grow more efficiently in colder water temperatures than zebra mussels, particularly in deeper waters, and to the quagga’s more efficient feeding capability.
May 30, 2019
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SPINY WATERFLEA Bythotrephes longimanus
▐ What are spiny waterfleas? Spiny waterfleas are aquatic zooplankton (small animals) from Europe and Asia that have invaded the Great Lakes ecosystem, as well as some inland water bodies. Adults range from ¼ to ⅝ inch long and they have a single long tail with 1-3 sets of small spines along its length. Infestations of spiny waterfleas negatively impact native fish populations, aquatic habitats and sports fishing. There is no successful method of control.
▐ Where are spiny waterfleas located? Spiny waterfleas live in fresh water habitats and prefer cold temperatures, but can tolerate both brackish and warm water. They have spread throughout the Great Lakes and have been found in more than ten counties in New York State. Lake Erie, Individual spiny waterfleas. Lake Ontario, Lake George, Saratoga Lake, Lake Champlain and (Photo: Emily DeBolt, Lake George Association) a number of smaller water bodies are infested.
▐ Why are spiny waterfleas a problem? Spiny waterfleas eat smaller, native zooplankton that are important food for both small crustaceans and native fish such as perch. In some lakes, they have eliminated native zooplankton from the food chain, causing serious declines in native fish populations. In the Great Lakes, spiny waterfleas have been associated with the decline of alewife. Spiny waterfleas also interfere with fishing, as their spines catch on fishing line, resulting in clogged fishing rod eyelets and damaged reel systems, On fishing lines, spiny waterfleas look like masses of bristled jelly with dark spots scattered throughout. preventing fish from being reeled in.
▐ How do spiny waterfleas spread? Spiny waterfleas originally arrived in the Great Lakes through the ballast water of cruise ships, tankers and cargo carriers. Ballast water is water taken on or discharged by ships for stability, often resulting in organisms getting caught up in the ballasts and inadvertently moved from one region to another. Spiny waterfleas spread by attaching to fishing lines, downriggers, anchor ropes, and fishing nets and hitching rides to other waterbodies. They can also be transported in bilge water, bait buckets, live wells, and the bottoms of canoes and kayaks.
2020 Manual Page 57 ▐ What can I do? There is no known control method for the spiny waterflea once it is introduced, so preventing the spread of this
invasive is critical. • Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft, trailer, and equipment before and after each use. • When possible, use the following methods to fully decontaminate your equipment. – Clean the outside of the watercraft and trailer with high pressure (2500 psi) hot water (140°F) for 10 seconds. – Flush the inside of the motor and all compartments (bilge, live well, bait buckets, ballast, etc.) with hot water (140°F) for two minutes.
– Soak fishing gear and equipment in hot water (140°F) Steward removes aquatic invasive species from boat. for two minutes. (J. Clayton, NYSDEC) • Dump bait bucket water where it came from or on land. • Learn how to identify spiny waterfleas: visit http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/waterflea for more information. • Report infestations to DEC at [email protected] or to iMapInvasives at www.NYiMapInvasives.org.
Current locations of spiny waterflea in New York State
CONTACT INFORMATION Invasive Species Coordination Unit Division of Lands and Forests New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4250 P: (518) 402-9405 | [email protected] www.dec.ny.gov
2020 Manual Page 58 6/17/2019 Fishhook Water Flea – New York Invasive Species Information
Fishhook Water Flea
Cercopagis pengoi, known in North America as the “fishhook water flea,” is an aggressive, predatory zooplankton that preys on smaller zooplankton. It belongs to the same family as Bythotrephes (Cercopagididae), and, like Bythotrephes, has a long caudal process (“tail”) with up to three pairs of barbs near its end. Also like Bythotrephes, Cercopagis is a native of the Ponto-Caspian region of eastern Europe/western Asia (the area of the Caspian, Azov, and Aral seas). As with the spiny water flea, the fishhook water flea is believed to be an international shipping ballast water introduction.
Photo: Igor Grigorovich, University of Windsor
Since its first discovery in Lake Ontario in August 1998, copagis spread inland to six of New York’s Finger Lakes (Seneca, Cayuga, Otisco, Canandaigua, Owasco and Keuka) within a year, possibly on fishery sampling gear, in bait buckets, or on recreational angling equipment. In these inland lakes, Cercopagis now dominates the offshore zooplankton community during the summer and fall. This species has also been found in Grand Traverse Bay and southern Lake Michigan and in western Lake Erie and the Detroit River. It is expected to spread throughout the Great Lakes by means of currents, inter- and intra-lake ballast transfers and recreational boating and angling. The fishhook water flea, like the spiny water flea, fouls fishing lines, downs rigger cables and fish nets, in many cases to an extent that anglers have had to cut their lines and lose fish because of reel clogging. The species’ length, including body and spine, can exceed 1 cm.
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Map: NYiMapInvasives.org, April 2015.
The species has been observed at densities of 170 to 600 individuals per square meter. In addition to sexual reproduction, Cercopagis most commonly reproduce parthenogenically (asexually), which allows them to quickly establish new populations with a relatively small seed population without the need for a large number of the smaller males along with females. Eggs produced in the early part of the season are delicate and very susceptible to damage, with low recruitment rates. Later in the season, as surface water temperatures decline, Cercopagis females produce over-wintering or resting eggs (the species is also known to produce resting eggs anytime during the year when environmental conditions become inhospitable). Such resting eggs can successfully overwinter in an inactive state and replenish the population after hatching in the spring. Resting eggs are also resistant to desiccation, freeze-drying and ingestion by predators (such as other fish). They can be easily transported to other drainage basins by various vectors, particularly if they are still in the female’s body (the barbed caudal spine allows attachment to ropes, fishing lines, waterfowl feathers, aquatic gear, vegetation, and mud). Resting eggs can hatch regardless of whether the carrier female is alive or dead. It is unknown what the future impacts of Cercopagis are going to be. It is possible that the high population densities of the species will create significant predation pressure on smaller cladocerans to impact the size and composition of native phytoplankton communities. Furthermore, Cercopagis may compete with native, young-of- the-year fish populations for small prey. It is also possible that the species may become prey itself for larger fish. It is not known, therefore, whether Cercopagis will ultimately be an energetic source or sink in the Great Lakes.
May 30, 2019
2020 Manual Page 60 nyis.info/invasive_species/fishhook-water-flea/ 2/2 Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) and Aquatic Recreation. Task Voluntary Guidelines That Empower the Public to Actively Prevent ANS ANSForce Transport Via Popular Aquatic Recreation Activities WHAT ARE AQUATIC NUISANCE listed below apply to most recreational act- Thus, the harm caused by ANS outweighs ivities occurring in marine and inland wa- any benefit. Divers can reduce the impacts SPECIES (ANS)? ters. States and provinces may include by following a few basic steps. Throughout history, man has introduced other specific laws and guidelines. non-native plants and animals to new mar- GUIDELINES ine and freshwater areas. Whether intent- ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING: - Check gear, clean organic matter/mud. ionally or accidentally initiated, these org- Always Inspect Equipment - Look for visi- - Drain tank, regulator, buoyancy compen- anisms may be freed from the natural pred- ble plants and animals before traveling. sator (bc), boot and other equipment. ators, parasites, pathogens and competitors Remove everything from equipment. - ANS can survive for a period of time on that have kept them in check. Once estab- Always Drain Water - Eliminate water from wet scuba gear. To prevent this: lished, these non-native species can create equipment before transporting. rinse and dry suit and equipment before diving in different waters; negative impacts such as displacing native Always Clean Equipment/Working Dogs - rinse inside of bc with hot or salt water; species; dramatically increasing the oper- When leaving infested waters, clean hunt- wash/rinse suit, equipment and inside of bc with hot ating costs of existing infrastructures; and ing dogs and equipment before going to (<40° C or 104°F) or salt (1/2 cup salt/gallon) water. degrading ecosystems. Due to the impacts other waters (see ‘‘Pathway Specific Guide- WATERFOWL HUNTING of these organisms, they are referred to as lines’’ for more info). ANS can significantly Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Always Report Questionable Species damage wildlife habi- - Contact your local resource agency tat. Waterfowl hunters WHAT LINKS ANS AND for identification assistance. ANS should be aware that it WATER-BASED RECREATION? information is available from many is possible to inadvert- sources; but specimens are needed to Boat motor covered with Zebra Americans love to spend time on the water. Mussels after being in waters ently spread ANS from Millions of people annually participate in confirm sightings. Different locations invaded by Zebra Mussels. a contaminated lake or boating, fishing, jet-skiing or sailing. Also, have different rules regarding posses- wetland via boats, motors, trailers, and as a highly mobile society, we can travel sion and transport. Always consult your decoys. Waterfowlers should also assume extensively in pursuit of new recreation resource agency for instructions. that all aquatic plant fragments are poten- tially harmful and should not be moved areas. Alone, these factors contribute pos- AVOID THE FOLLOWING: itively to society, but when combined with a Transporting Animals/Plants - Specifical-ly, between aquatic areas. Zebra mussels and lack of awareness or understanding about mud, aquatic plants and animals from lakes, their larvae can attach to aquatic plants. If the impacts of ANS, an expensive problem rivers, wetlands and coastal areas. plant fragments are moved, they can carry arises that could cost millions of dollars. Releasing Animals/Plants - This includes larvae to other waters. Hunters can pre- vent ANS impacts with these steps. Research has identified wa- all aquarium species, bait, pets or wa-ter ter-based recreation as a garden plants. Do not release these into GUIDELINES potential transportation the wild without knowing that the BEFORE THE HUNTING SEASON — pathway for the spread of Chinese Mitten Crabs organism is native to the waterbody. - Switch to bulb-shaped, or strap anchors ANS. Additional studies are one of the many on decoys to avoid aquatic plants; marine ANS that can PATHWAY-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES show that participants in - Clean boats, if moored in waters known be transported via These guidelines cover activities that these activities will take recreational acitivities. to contain Zebra Mussels Use these tips are potential pathways for transferring action to prevent ANS introductions if they to remove or kill zebra mussels and other ANS. Note that states/provinces may have know what to do. Conversely, without aquatic life that adhere to boat: other laws and guidelines. remove visible zebra mussels; proper information, they will do nothing to wash/rinse with hot water; prevent this problem. To promote behav- SCUBA DIVING spray with high-pressure water; iors that limit the ANS spread, the ANS SCUBA divers can unintentionally trans- dry for 5 days before entering new waterbody. Task Force developed these guidelines. port ANS between waters. Precautions AFTER THE HUNTING SEASON — should be taken to reduce the risk of carry- - Inspect waders/hip boots; remove plants; What Activities Are Addressed ing ANS, especially when and rinse mud; By the Voluntary Guidelines? diving in different waters - Remove plants, animals and mud that are The Guidelines address these activities: on the same or repeated attached to lines or anchors; and SCUBA DIVING BOATING days. Many divers be- - Drain boats before going to new waters. WATERFOWL HUNTING SEAPLANE OPERATIONS lieve zebra mussels have BETWEEN HUNTING TRIPS — BAIT HARVESTING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT benefited the sport by - Inspect/remove mud, aquatic plants and ANGLING USE improving water visibil- Scuba divers can trans- port ANS via their animals from equipment, hunting dogs. GENERIC GUIDELINES ity. But, they soon learn equipment. - Follow the boater guidelines. Some guidelines are appropriate for any the things that attracted them become en- CONTINUED ON THE BACK SIDE. water-based recreational activity. The ones crusted, which obscures these features. 4401 N. Fairfax Arlington, VA 22203 Ph: 703-358-2148 Fax: 703-358-2210 Web: www.anstaskforce.gov 2020 Manual Page 61 BAIT HARVESTING lampreys, Asian swamp eels, Asian carp, over the waters you are leaving or land; These guidelines apply to non-commercial and zebra mussels. Some plants (eg., hydrilla - If aquatic plants remain visible on the bait harvesting. ANS can lodge in nets and and water hyacinth) may limit fishing. Prevent plane, return and remove them. the ANS expansion with these steps. other equipment and can be unintentionally STORAGE OR MOORING — transported into other waters. Some spe- GUIDELINES - Remove aircraft from cies can survive up to 2 weeks out of water - Dispose of excess live bait the water and allow and remain viable when dislodged into on land. Never release parts to dry. Summer another waterbody. Non-target ANS like into new waters. temperatures will kill ruffe and round goby, and plant fragments, - Wash/dry boat and equip- adult zebra mussels like hydrilla or Eurasian water milfoil, can (longer time is required for cool, ment to kill ANS. This figure shows some keys areas to be harvested with baitfish. If moved, they - Inspect for and dispose of examine when cleaning a boat to humid weather); can negatively impact fish populations in all non-target species. prevent the spread of ANS. - Aircraft moored for other waters. Use these measures to reduce extended periods in waters may have ANS impacts. BOATING ANS attached and should be cleaned Recreational boaters can inadvertantly regularly. In remote locations, zebra GUIDELINES transport ANS due to the high survivability - Inspect for and remove non-target species. mussels or other ANS may be present. If of these organisms. These guidelines can no cleaing equipment is available, the - Dispose of excess live bait on land before help prevent this spread. leaving the water. Never release or trans- best prevention option is to hand-clean port bait, aquatic plants between waters. GUIDELINES the submerged floats with a scrub brush - Clean boats, trailers and equipment on - Before leaving, inspect boat and equip- and to physically remove any ANS. shore before leaving the access point. ment and remove all plants and animals. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT USE - Hand clean and dry nets before reuse. - Drain water from motor, livewell, bilge, Personal watercraft (PWC) have jet-drive - Drain water from boats and equipment and transom wells on land. systems requiring extra precautions to a- before leaving any waterbody access. - Wash and dry boat, trailer, downriggers, void ANS transport. A pump pulls water - Never use water known to contain ANS to and other boating equipment to kill ANS in an opening under the PWC, and an im- transport live bait. In many states and not visible at the boat launch. peller forces water out, moving the PWC provinces, it is illegal to harvest from - Before traveling to other waters, do one of ahead. If moved to different waters, be- these waters. Before harvesting, check the following: ware of ANS that with your local re- rinse boat and equipment with hot (< 40 °C or 104 °F) water; have been lodged in source agency a- spray with high-pressure water or dry for 5 days. the jet-drive. The bout any regulations. impellers could catch - In areas known to SEAPLANE OPERATIONS a plant fragment that Personal Watercraft can harbor ANS where Seaplanes can transport ANS between wa- could result in an in- transport ANS via their internal jet drive system. bait harvest is leg- Recreational fishing, due terbodies on their floats. It is important to festation of new wa- al, do not use the to all the potential clean the aircraft and remove ANS before ters. The jet drive holds extra water, equipment, can provide traveling, rather than after landing in new same equipment in many inadvertant ways to which could harbor live zebra mussels and other water. Some transport ANS. waters. Pilots are advised to include these spread them to other waters. With these ANS can survive out of water for two steps into their flight operations. As al- steps, you can ensure an ANS-free PWC. weeks. By thoroughly drying equipment, ways, safety is the first priority when using GUIDELINES this risk can be reduced. the guidelines. IN THE WATER — - Rinse and dry equipment, boats and trail- GUIDELINES - Do not run PWC through aquatic plants. ers for five days. Before reuse, roll out, BEFORE ENTERING THE AIRCRAFT — - After loading onto trailer, run engine to hand clean and dry nets for ten days. - Inspect/remove plants from floats, wires blow out excess water and vegetation. - The following formulas can be used to or cables, and water rudders; clean hard-to-treat equipment. Use 100% - In infested water, check transom, bottom, ON THE TRAILER — vinegar dip for 20 minutes to kill zebra chine, wheel wells, and float step area. - After trailering PWC, run engine to mussels and other ANS. Chemical treat- - Pump water from floats. blow out excess water and vegetation; ment with a 1% solution of table salt for - Use these methods to kill ANS: - After shutting down, pull plants out of 24 hours can replace the vinegar dip. wash/spray floats with hot or high-pressure water; the steering nozzle. Inspect trailer and This table provides correct mixtures for dry for 5 days. other equipment for aquatic plant frag- ments, and remove them before leaving the 1% salt solution in water. BEFORE TAKEOFF — the access area. Gallons of Water Cups of Salt - Do not taxi through heavy aquatic plant 5 2/3 10 1 1/4 growth prior to takeoff; AFTER TRAILERING AND BEFORE RE-USE — 25 3 50 6 1/4 - Raise and lower water rudders to clear off - Wash and dry PWC to kill/remove ANS 100 12 2/3 plants, minimize cable stretch and not visible at the boat launch. ANGLING improve steering effectiveness. - Disinfect before entering new waters by: rinsing pwc, other equipment with hot (< 40 °C or ANS can cause significant changes in AFTER TAKEOFF — 104°F) water; aquatic ecosystems. Fish populations (prey - Raise/lower water rudders several times spraying with high-pressure water; and game fish) can be harmed by fish like sea to free aquatic plant fragments while drying for 5 days. 2020 Manual Page 62 VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES TO PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES: RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force November 2013
In July 2011, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) re-established the Recreational Guidelines Committee (Committee) composed of 55 Federal and State agency, non-profit and industry representatives. The Committee’s mission is to update the 2000 ANSTF Recommended Voluntary Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Associated with Recreational Activities (Federal Register/ Vol. 65, No. 76/ Thursday, April 13, 2000/ Notices, Pg. 19953). Those guidelines were revised taking into account new aquatic invasive species (AIS), and new recreational activities and equipment. Guidelines were revised for six recreational activities: anglers, motor boaters, non-motorized boaters, scuba divers and snorkelers, seaplane pilots, and waterfowl hunters.
The purpose of these guidelines is to:
• Provide a consistent, practical, and effective document to inform outreach efforts geared toward public recreationalists to prevent the spread of AIS, • Take into account the specific pathways, vectors, and life histories of all AIS, including fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and pathogens, and • Promote voluntary actions to support the national Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ campaign, as well as statewide efforts such as Clean Boats, Clean Waters.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM is a national education campaign that helps recreational users to become part of the solution to stop the spread of AIS. Launched in 2002, the campaign was created under the auspices of the ANSTF. Joining the campaign is free and easy. Visit www.protectyourwaters.net and then click on “Become a Partner”. As of 2013, over 1,100 entities including agencies (federal, state, tribal, county), universities, colleges, schools, businesses, industries, non-profit organizations, and clubs have joined helping to reach millions of recreational users.
Recreational user exposure to the campaign’s messages is key. Research shows that exposure to the campaign combined with audience-specific recreational guidelines can not only raise awareness, but also motivate positive actions that can prevent AIS spread. Therefore, any entity wishing to enhance AIS prevention in their region are strongly encouraged to capitalize on the campaign’s visibility by using the campaign’s logo, wordmark and tagline at every opportunity in communication and education media.
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Guidelines for each recreational activity are formatted so that they can be “cut and pasted” from this document for inclusion in communication or education media. Common to all activities is basic communication message, “Clean, Drain, Dry”. Uses of this message include billboards, stickers, newsletter sidebars, and small sized media, which serve as communication prompts. Guidelines on the right side of each recreational activity are intended for use in education media such as brochures, fact sheets in their entirety when possible. When not possible, the guidelines can be scaled down to fit needs of the media and intended audience.
These guidelines are also meant to compliment local, state or tribal laws concerning possession or transport of AIS. They do not override and should not be confused with AIS decontamination and quarantine laws that are in effect in various locations across the nation.
Approach to Recreational Equipment Inspection and Decontamination: A key concept for recreational equipment inspection and decontamination is that the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the activity and the type of AIS.
Synopsis of Recommended Actions: • For day users, inspect, clean off, drain, rinse (with low pressure, hot water when possible) and dry for five days or more or wipe with a towel. • For recreational equipment left in zebra mussel infested waters for more than a day, do all of the above, except use high pressure, hot water treatment for exterior surfaces, and low pressure hot water treatment for interior components when possible.
Bottom line approach: Inspection, rinsing, flushing or high pressure washing removes them, while hot water kills AIS. In the absence of hot water or high pressure, rinsing with tap water and completely drying will help prevent spread of AIS.
Inspection and Removal: If recreational equipment has been left in the water for less than a day, key actions to prevent the spread of all AIS are: • Inspect and clean off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access. • Drain motor, bilge, livewell, and other water containing devices before leaving water access. • Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain bait container and replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water. • Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another. • Dry everything for five days or more or wipe with a towel before reuse.
2020 Manual Page 64 Those key actions will clean off any visible large-bodied organisms attached to or in watercraft or recreational equipment. Draining can also remove small and nearly invisible organisms such as zebra mussel larvae (veligers) potentially entrained in water containing devices.
However, additional precautions are needed to remove small bodied organisms from other parts of the equipment are needed: • Spray/rinse recreational equipment with high pressure hot water to clean off mud and kill aquatic invasive species when possible, • Flush motor according to owner’s manual, AND/OR • Dry everything for five days or more OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Notes: It is recommended that even a simple hull rinsing with a garden hose and running water through the live well system is an effective way to clean off species not visible to the naked eye. Drying can also be effective but keep in mind that young mussels can survive in standing water for 24 days at 50oF, 8.5 days at 59oF, or 4.5 days at 86oF and a thorough decontamination is recommended.
Decontamination: If recreational equipment has been left in the water for more than a day, the following decontamination methods are recommended in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations whenever possible: • Spray/rinse hull and other external areas or recreational equipment with high pressure (2,500 psi) hot water (140oF for 10 sec). • Rinse/flush motors with hot water (120oF) for 2 minutes. • Rinse/flush interior compartments with hot water (120oF) • Dry everything for five days or more OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Notes: Young invasive zebra mussel settlers are difficult to see with the unaided eye, but on smooth surfaces they feel like sandpaper. Research indicates that 140oF water will kill these settlers as well as Eurasian watermilfoil, New Zealand mudsnails, and spiny waterfleas. However, residential hot water heaters are generally set at 120oF and temperatures at the nozzle will be lower because of the water’s heat loss to pipes, hoses, ambient temperature, etc. Likewise, commercial car washes typically use water pressure of no more than 1,500 psi and rarely have water hotter than 100o F. Therefore, 140oF water is likely unobtainable, at least through easily-accessible means. Individuals can maximize their decontamination efficacy by using water that’s as hot as possible. Skin contact should be avoided when using water above 120oF to avoid irritation or burns.
Chemical Treatments:
2020 Manual Page 65 The Committee does not recommend wide use of chemical prophylactics or disinfectants for treating watercraft and recreational equipment. Reasons are that chemicals: 1) may damage equipment or components; 2) pose risks for environmental damage and human health, if not properly used; and 3) have varying levels of effectiveness. Therefore, promotion of chemical treatment should be limited to situations in which guidelines can only be partially conducted or are not practical (such as when drying times are limited and known AIS are present). If a chemical treatment is promoted, it should be the most effective and the most environmentally benign (e.g., a salt-water solution for certain AIS).
If recreational equipment is fouled, certified or professional decontamination services are highly recommended and may be required based on local, state, or tribal regulations.
Environmental Stewardship and Compliance: To promote environmental stewardship and compliance with regulations, guidelines for each pathway can include the following statement:
Know the rules! Specimens are needed to confirm sightings, but some jurisdictions prohibit possession and transport of invasive aquatic plants and animals. Before collecting specimens, contact your local natural resource management agency for instructions. Unauthorized introduction of plants, fish, or invertebrates into the wild is illegal in most states. Protect your property and our waters.
Report new sightings. Note exact location; take a photo; if possible, place specimens in a sealed plastic bag; and call federal state, tribal or Sea Grant office or the National ANS Hotline at 1- 877-STOP-ANS.* Reports can also be submitted at http://stop-ans.org/
* As an alternative, state-specific contact information is encouraged.
2020 Manual Page 66 Recreational Activity:
Anglers Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
Clean Inspect and clean off plants, animals, and mud from gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access.
Scrub off any visible material on footwear with a stiff brush.
Drain water from watercraft, motor, bilge, bladder tanks, livewell and portable bait containers before leaving water access. Replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water when keeping live bait before leaving water access. Don’t add other live fish to bait container.
Dispose of unwanted bait, fish parts, and packing materials, in the trash; do not dump them in the water or on land.
Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Other key actions: • Use non-felt soled boots to further reduce the risk of spreading AIS. • Fish caught for eating or taxidermy should be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or placed on ice. • Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another.
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2020 Manual Page 68 Motor Boaters Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
Clean Inspect and clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access.
Scrub hull using a stiff brush.
Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water when possible.
Flush motor according to owner’s manual.
Jet Boats and Personal Watercraft (PWCs) users should also: Inspect and clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from hull, trailer, intake grate and steering nozzle, etc.
Run engine 5-10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation from internal drive before leaving water access.
Sailors should also: Inspect and clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from the centerboard, bilge board wells, rudderpost, trailer and other equipment before leaving water access.
Drain water from watercraft, motor, bilge, bladder tanks, livewell, and portable bait containers before leaving water access.
Dry everything for five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
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2020 Manual Page 70 Non-Motorized Boaters Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
For canoes, boards, rafts, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, inflatables, sculls, and other non-motorized recreational watercraft:
Clean Inspect and clean off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access.
Scrub hull using a stiff brush.
Rinse watercraft, trailer and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible.
Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water containing devices before leaving water access.
Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Completely dry inflatables and other recreational watercraft before storing.
Wear quick-dry footwear or bring a second pair of footwear with you when portaging between waterbodies.
2020 Manual Page 71 Scuba Divers and Snorkelers Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
Clean Inspect and clean off visible plants, animals and mud from wetsuit, dry suit, mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy compensator (BC), regulator, cylinder, weight belt, watercraft, motor, and trailer before leaving water access.
Soak gear used in saltwater dives in 5% dishwashing liquid solution (1 cup/gallon)1, or gear used in freshwater dives in 3.5% salt solution, (½ cup/gallon)2 for 30 minutes.
Rinse inside and outside of gear with hot water, when possible.
Drain water from BC, regulator, cylinder boot, watercraft, motor, and any water containing devices before leaving water access.
Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
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2020 Manual Page 73 Seaplane Operators Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
Clean Inspect and clean off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from pontoons, cross members, steps, transom, rudders, chine, wheel wells, mooring ropes, wires, and cables.
Scrub off any floats with a stiff brush.
Rinse landing gear with high pressure hot water, when possible.
Land plane in marine waters if moving between known infested freshwater as this can be an effective method of killing freshwater AIS.
At water take-off:
• Avoid taxiing through aquatic plants. • Raise and lower water rudders several times to clear off plants.
After water take-off:
• Raise and lower water rudders several times to dislodge aquatic plant fragments while flying over the waters you left or over land. • If aquatic plants remain visible on aircraft, return to same water body and clean them off.
Drain Pump water from floats before take-off.
Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Runway land (if so equipped) or haul out and clean aircraft previously used in known invasive species infested waters as soon as possible after arrival at the destination.
Store aircraft on land when possible. Hot summer temperatures and flights during dry weather will help kill aquatic invasive plants and animals that may be on floats.
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2020 Manual Page 75 Waterfowl Hunters Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM
Clean Inspect and clean off visible plants, animals and mud from waders, hip boots, watercraft, motor, trailer, ATV’s, push poles, decoys, decoy lines and anchors before leaving area.
Brush hunting dogs and rinse kennels with tap water.
Drain water from watercraft, motor, bilge and other water containing devices before leaving water access.
Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
Other key actions: • Use non-felt soled boots to further reduce the risk of spreading AIS. • Cut emergent vegetation above waterline for blinds or camouflage in accordance with regulations. • Use elliptical and bulb-shaped anchors to help avoid snagging aquatic plants.
2020 Manual Page 76 1http://www.lakegeorgeassociation.org/what-we-do/Invasive- Species/documents/cleanwetsuitscleanwaterlowrescard.pdf
2http://www.usbr.gov/mussels/prevention/docs/EquipmentInspectionandCleaningManual2012.pd f
Appendix A
Committee Members
NAME AGENCY Lad Aikens REEF James Ballard Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Glenn Plumb National Park Service Amy Benson U.S. Geological Survey, Southeast Regional Science Center Rick Boatner Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Kim Bogenschutz Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies& IA DNR StasBurgiel National Invasive Species Council Pat Campfield Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Stephanie Carman Bureau of Land Management Sam Chan Oregon Sea Grant Program Pat Charlebois Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program Noreen Clough BASS Pat Conzemius Wildlife Forever Tammy Davis Alaska Department of Fish and Game John DePersenaire Recreational Fishing Alliance David Dickerson Personal Watercraft Industry Association Joe DiVittorio Bureau of Reclamation Teal Edelen National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Alyssa Hausman American Sportfishing Association Kim Holzer U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch Aquatic Invasive Species Fred Iantorno Blackhawk Bassmasters Doug Jensen University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program and RAC Co-Chair Doug Keller Indiana Department of Natural Resources Verne Lehmberg Federation of Fly Fishers Paul Lepisto Izaak Walton League of America Jed Livingstone National Association of Underwater Instructors Madelyn Martinez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Steve McCaughey Seaplane Pilots Association Karen McDowell San Francisco Estuary Partnership Jim McManus Seaplane Pilots Association Marshall Meyers Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Meg Modley Lake Champlain Basin Program Pat Neu National Professional Anglers Association Laura Norcutt U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch Aquatic Invasive
2020 Manual Page 77 Species, RAC Co-Chair Walter Opuszynski North Forest Canoe Trail Susan Pasko National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration George Peterson Monterey Bay Aquarium Jay Rendall Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Mark Riechers Mercury Marine Gordon Robertson American Sportfishing Association Eileen Ryce Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Patty Seery Divers Alert Network Susan Shingledecker Boat U.S. Foundation Brad Smith Professional Association of Diving Instructors Cindy Squires National Marine Manufacturers Association Arisa Teasley Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Keith Weaver Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Section Sarah Whitney Pennsylvania Sea Grant Bob Wiltshire Invasive Species Action Network John Wullschleger National Park Service Libby Yranski American Sportfishing Association Sarah Zack Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Joe Zarzynski Bateaux Below, Inc.
2020 Manual Page 78 Voluntary Guidelines to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Water Gardening
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force September 2013
Background: Water gardens, or aquatic gardens, generally are designed to house and display aquatic plants and fish. They range in size from small patio container gardens to large ponds, both natural and human-made. Despite their beauty, water gardens can lead to introductions of invasive plants and animals into natural waterways.
Many of the plants and animals traditionally used in water gardens are non-native, and can become invasive if introduced into natural waterways. Such introductions can be accidental or purposeful. For example, major rainstorms can wash plants, seeds, fish and other animals from a water garden into an adjacent waterway where they can flourish. Likewise, draining water or dumping water garden plants and animals into a nearby waterbody can lead to an invasive species becoming established. Introductions into natural waterways can have harmful environmental and economic consequences. This is one reason why many states prohibit release of organisms into natural waterways.
Many states regulate what organisms can be sold for use in water gardens. However, many aquatic plants and animals are available through the online marketplace, which is only loosely regulated. Therefore, it is important for individuals to be aware of their state’s regulations to ensure that organisms being considered for purchase are not prohibited. (To find out which species are regulated in each state visit www.takeAIM.org.) Because even non-regulated species could become invasive if introduced into natural waterways, it is also important for water gardeners to know the specific steps that they can take to ensure that their water gardening activities don’t lead to introductions of invasive organisms.
The following guidelines are intended to provide water gardeners* with consistent invasive-species-prevention recommendations. Accordingly, water gardeners, water gardening societies, retailers, and outreach professionals who work with water gardeners are encouraged to use this information to guide their own activities and when developing outreach tools. More information and examples of outreach tools incorporating these recommendations are available on the Web including www.takeAIM.org and www.Habitattitude.ca/www.Habitattitude.net.
* Please note that these guidelines are not intended for those involved with creating or conducting outreach on rain gardens or stormwater retention basins, although some of the individual recommendations may apply. 2020 Manual Page 79 Guidelines:
When constructing a new water garden Locate a new water garden away from all waterways and flood-prone areas. This will help ensure that the plants and animals in the water garden will not be carried into local ditches, canals, streams, ponds, lakes, etc. as a result of heavy rainfall.
When adding plants and animals Choose regionally-native or non-invasive plants and animals. This will reduce the amount of plant-removal (i.e., weeding) needed to maintain the garden while also reducing the risk to nearby waterways should any organisms be moved by wind, animals, flooding, etc. Moreover, many states regulate the possession of invasive species. Using non-invaders will help water gardeners conform to those regulations. Visit www.takeAIM.org to find out which species are regulated in each state. Purchase from local, licensed nurseries. Local nurseries are more likely to be aware of state and local regulations because of their licensing requirements. Many jurisdictions require that the license be posted. If the license isn’t clearly visible, ask an employee about their licensing. Rinse plants in a bucket to remove all dirt and any attached debris including other vegetation, animals, or eggs before planting; strain debris from the bucket water; place this debris and any unwanted packaging material in a sealed plastic bag, freeze thoroughly, and dispose in the trash; dump water on dry land. This will help keep unwanted plants and animals from being accidentally introduced into the water garden, and keep these same organisms out of adjacent waterways and storm drains that may lead to natural waterways. Remove any similarly attached debris from animals before adding them to the water garden; dispose of the debris as above. This will also help keep unwanted plants and animals from being accidentally introduced into the water garden or into natural waterways.
When doing maintenance Check that the water garden remains isolated from natural waterways and areas that flood. If this is not the case, the above recommendations regarding rinsing and plant and animal choice are even more critical; installation of standard landscape water diverting structures (e.g., water bars, swales) or relocation of the water garden should be considered. Remove uninvited plants that colonize the water garden. A plant that moves into the water garden and becomes established is likely an invasive species. It should be removed and disposed of properly (see below). Freeze unwanted plants in a sealed plastic bag and dispose in the trash. Unwanted plants should not be composted because their seeds and other reproductive plant parts may remain viable. Find a new home for unwanted fish and other animals such as a pet retailer, animal shelter, or other water gardener. If an unwanted animal finds a new home with another water gardener, be sure to share these guidelines with the new owner. If euthanasia is an option, contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance.
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SELECTIVE HARVESTING OF AQUATIC WETLAND PLANTS
This is a supplement to the Citizen’s Guide, which provides basic information about Adirondack Park Agency regulations.
Pursuant to Section 578.3(n)(1) of Agency regulations, an Agency permit is required for the excavation or dredging of a wetland, including the removal of soil, peat, mud, sand, or gravel. However, no permit is required for the removal of aquatic wetland plants, including their roots, under the following circumstances:
• The removal is conducted only by hand or by a hand-operated, tined rake;
• The removal is limited to 25% of the vegetated area in water less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) deep,1 provided the total area of vegetation removed is no more than 650 square feet (60 square meters);
• Any freshwater clams removed by hand or by rake are returned to the water body in a location where wave action will not cause beaching;
• The removal is limited to areas used for swimming or other water recreation, such as docking or navigation to open water by watercraft;
• All plant fragments are collected and disposed of in a non-wetland upland area;
• The removal is not part of a larger harvesting program by individuals or groups; and
• The removal is not associated with any other activity involving wetlands, including dredging, filling, matting, application of pesticides, or other regulated action.
1 The harvesting of aquatic plants from open water more than 2 meters deep is not regulated by the Agency. Depth is measured from the mean low water mark (often the mid-to-late summer lake level).
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***** Tips for the Removal of Aquatic Invasive Plants *****
• The best time to remove aquatic invasive species is early in the season, while the individual plants are small.
• The quality of harvesting is more impactful than the quantity.
• The entire plant should be removed, including the root mass. Wearing gloves, ease your hand into the sediment and gently ease the plant out of the sediment.
• A mesh SCUBA dive bag or 25-pound capacity onion bag helps hold the plants and fragments.
• Collect as many fragments as you can. After finishing, and once the water quality has improved, survey the area managed and the surrounding area and remove any additional fragments. Remember – if you harvest one plant but produce another from a fragment in the process you are not being effective.
• Inspect your lake-front after every wind or rain event and collect and remove plant fragments. This will help prevent re-establishment of new plants.
• Harvested plants can be composted and used for mulch.
This flyer is intended to provide general information regarding Agency jurisdiction. Other provisions or restrictions may apply if an Agency permit or variance is required or if the property has previously been subject to Agency review.
Please contact the Agency with any questions at 518-891-4050. For a binding written response as to whether a specific proposal requires Agency review, please submit a Jurisdictional Inquiry Form (JIF). The JIF form is available on the Agency website at www.apa.ny.gov/Forms/jiform.pdf.
2020 Manual Page 82 Contacts
Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program 518 . 576 . 2082 Erin Vennie-Vollrath . AIS Project Coordinator Adirondack Park Agency 518 . 891 . 4050 Darrin Fresh Water Institute 518 . 644 . 3541 Larry Eichler . Research Scientist Department of Environmental Conservation Scott Kishbaugh . DEC Lakes Monitoring and Assessment Section 518 . 402 . 8282 Leslie Surprenant . Invasive Species Coordination Unit 518 . 402 . 8980 Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District 518 . 548 . 3991 Elizabeth Mangle . District Manager Lake Champlain Basin Program 800 . 468 . 5227 Meg Modley . Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Websites Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program www.adkinvasives.com Cedar Eden Environmental, LLC. www.cedareden.com/aquaplant.html Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu Invasive Plant Atlas of New England invasives.eeb.uconn/edu/ipane Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants www.mciap.org/herbarium Minnesota DNR Ecological Resources Division www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html Minnesota Sea Grant www.seagrant.umn.edu Nations Invasive Species Information System www.invasivespecies.gov New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/ NY Invasive Species Information Clearinghouse nyis.info NY Natural Heritage Museum www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/heritage/ Nonindigenous Aquatic Species nas.er.usgs.gov Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society www.neapms.net/ Protect Your Waters Campaign www. protectyourwaters.net Vermont DEC Lakes and Ponds Section www.vtwaterquality.org/lakes/htm Washington State Department of Ecology www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/links/plants.html Special Thanks to Larry Eichler, Scott Kishbaugh, and Elizabeth Mangle for assisting program development and implementation at the program’s inception in 2002. Amy Smagula (NH), Mike Hauser (VT), Scott Williams and Roberta Hill (ME), and Laura Felda (WI) for generously offering guidance and educational materials from their invasive species programs. Todd Smith and äpi design for graphic design and technical expertise in material development and production. Invasive Plant Monitors for their interest and dedication to protecting Adirondack waters. Participating Organizations Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, New York State Adirondack Park Agency, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and NYS Department of Transportation, and numerous partnerships with Adirondack academic institutions, watershed groups, volunteers, and communities.
2020 Manual Page 83
Aquatic Plant Field Guides
And Reference Books
Audubon Society. Wetlands.
Crow, Garrett E. and C. Barre Hellquist. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America. 2000.
Eastman, John. The Book of Swamp and Bog. 1995.
New York Department of Environmental Conservation Lake Services Section. Common Nuisance Aquatic Plants in New York State.
Skawinski, Paul M. Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest: A Photographic Field Guide to our Underwater Forests, Second Edition. 2014.
Tiner, Ralph W. In Search of Swampland: A Wetland Source Book and Field Guide.
Washington State Department of Ecology. An Aquatic Plant Identification Manual.
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. Through the Looking Glass: A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants.
Water Resource
Reference Books
Cooke, Dennis G., Welch, Peterson, and Newroth. Restoration and Management of Lakes and Reservoirs, Second Edition.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Federation of Lake Associations. Diet for a Small Lake.
North American Lake Management Society. The Lake Pocket Book and Managing Lakes and Reservoirs.
Wetzel, Robert G. Limnology, Second Edition. 1993.
2020 Manual Page 84 Online References
Field Guides:
Maine Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants and their common native look alikes by Roberta Hill and Scott Williams: http://www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/publications/FieldGuide/
Pennsylvania’s Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species by Pennsylvania Sea Grant: http://www.paseagrant.org/projects/pennsylvanias-field-guide-to- aquatic-invasive-species/
Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species (NEANS) Panel Online Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species in Northeastern North America: http://www.northeastans.org/online-guide/
Other:
Diet for a Small Lake: The Expanded Guide to New York State Lake and Watershed Management by the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Inc. in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/82123.html
2020 Manual Page 85 Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Sources of Information
Program Development
The preceding protocol and informational materials have largely been adapted from the New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program Sampling Protocol, the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Weed Watcher Program, Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Milfoil Watchers Program. The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is designed to obtain baseline data on invasive plant distribution and abundance in the Adirondacks.
Invasive Plant Council of New York State. 'Invasive Plant Profile' texts.
Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. 'Mistakable Milfoils,' 'Common Look Alike Plants,' and 'Glossary' texts.
Illustrations
Crow, G.E. and B.C. Hellquist. 2000. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America. Univeristy of Wisconsin Press, Madison. Myriophyllum sp. ('Mistakable Milfoils'), Trapa natans and Potamogeton crispus ('Invasive Plant Profile'), Bladderwort leaf ('Common Look Alike Plants'), Trapa natans and Myriophyllum sp. (Field Identification cards).
University of Florida, Center for Aquatic Plants. 1990. Myriophyllum spicatum ('Invasive Plant Profile'), Fanwort leaf ('Common Look Alike Plants').
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, University of Wisconsin-Cooperative Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. 1997. Through the Looking Glass - A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants. Coontail leaf ('Common Look Alike Plants'), Potamogeton crispus (Field Identification cards). Photographs
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Myriophyllum sibiricum, Myriophyllum spicatum. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Potamogeton crispus. Randall, John M. The Nature Conservancy. Trapa natans. Graphic Design
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