2019 Hydrilla Eradication Efforts in the Cayuga Lake Watershed

October 19 - Cayuga Inlet, Ithaca NY

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN) are engaging concerned citizens living around Cayuga Lake to begin monitoring for hydrilla using lake rakes along shallow shores.

Trained watershed residents from the Hydrilla Hunter group went on a paddling search along the southwest shoreline of the lake. They found several samples that will be verified by Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists who had earlier discovered a large patch over 50’ by 50’ near the Cayuga Inlet, just south of Treman Marina launch. 

October 16 - Private marina near Myers Park, Lansing NY

Solitude Lake Management LLC applied Harpoon Granular (Active ingredient: Copper-ethylenediamine) to five acres within the enclosed marina area and an adjacent small pond. The company conducted water quality monitoring to ensure that herbicide concentrations are at or below the state standards and does not impact drinking water supply. The herbicide treatment ended on October 17. Department of Health of Tompkins County conducted supplemental water quality tests to ensure that the Bolton Point public drinking water is not impacted.

FLI conduced repeat surveys at Don’s Marina and did not observe any hydrilla.

Aug 26 - Sailing Center, Ithaca NY and private marina near Myers Park, Lansing NY

Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists found many hydrilla fragments among boats moored near the Merrill Family Sailing Center, Ithaca. They also found growing, rooted hydrilla plants 100 feet south of the Sailing Center. SePRO Inc divers further confirmed the hydrilla sightings and the crew placed benthic mats (link to benthic mat page).

However, murky and turbulent water conditions calls for additional treatments to prevent the hydrilla plants from growing further and releasing tubers as well as prevent fragmenting due to waves and boat activity. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has applied chelated copper and Sonar H4C (Active ingredient fluridone) to 2.5 acre and 6.5 acre treatment plots at this location. Additional Sonar H4C treatments were scheduled for both plots in September.

Local residents and businesses along the shoreline were notified of the herbicide treatment. The treatment concentration is not expected to impact regular uses of the lake in this area. Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists will continue to monitor and assess treatment effectiveness.

In the last week of August 2019, Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists discovered hydrilla at the private marina maintained by Finger Lakes Marine Services, adjacent to Myers Park in Lansing, New York. The 5-acre infestation has spread to areas of the marina and pond. The Myers Park public marina has been re-surveyed and appears hydrilla-free. All boats should use the public marina only.

In anticipation of the influx of boats during the Barney and Bear's Fall Trout and Bass Derby, outreach teams have been set up inform participants and spectators of the urgent situation. Hydrilla breaks off easily and if caught on boats and trailers can be transported to other water bodies. It is critical that boat owners Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear. The Myers Park public marina was surveyed again and appeared to be free of hydrilla.


July 31 - King Ferry, Cayuga Inlet, and Aurora, NY

Finger Lakes PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) found hydrilla next to the dock at Don's Marina in King Ferry, on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. USACE carefully applied spot treatment. Finger Lakes PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) monitored treatment effectiveness weekly.

A member of the volunteer monitoring group Hydrilla Hunter Paul Cross found a hydrilla plant in the northwest corner of Cayuga Inlet, adjacent to Stewart Park. It was small enough to be covered by a benthic mat, an effective non-chemical treatment for small areas of hydrilla growth.

USACE have treated a wider area to address the 2016 hydrilla infestation in Aurora. They report good results but note that a few new plants have been found.


June 24-28 - Stewart Park, Ithaca NY

USACE of Buffalo District, applied Sonar H4C (Active ingredient fluridone) to 70 acres treatment area in Stewart Park, City of Ithaca. USACE may treat additional areas in Aurora, New York and several spots along the eastern shoreline of Cayuga Lake based on current hydrilla monitoring results. 

Last updated February 21, 2020