Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic invasive plant that is both a federally listed noxious weed prohibited from interstate transport and its sale, possession, transport, and propagation are…

Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic invasive plant that is both a federally listed noxious weed prohibited from interstate transport and its sale, possession, transport, and propagation are prohibited in new york state (6 nycrr part 575). Hydrilla was first discovered in the erie canal in 2012. From 2012 to 2022 U.S. Army corps of engineers (USACE)and their contractor have been conducting aquatic plant surveys and monitoring, tuber density surveys, and herbicide treatments to reduce hydrilla coverage in the canal. We will continue to work with USACE, but nysdec will be conducting an additional 1.5 seasons of hydrilla control with the goal of eradication (to be combined with the FY21 awsard to cover a total of three seasons). We will continue the tuber density surveys and the pre- and post-treatment aquatic plant surveys along with the collection of water samples to monitor herbicide concentrations at select locations. This project is intended to lay the groundwork for restoration efforts that will provide habitat for not only native plants but also native macroinvertebrates and potentially vertebrates which will be surveyed pre- and post-restoration. We will work closely with our partners to prevent the spread of hydrilla to new locations within our region 9 as we know spread prevention and containment are the most cost-effective methods for addressing this infestation. We will also support national research being conducted by DR. Susan wilde at the university of georgia. DR. Wilde will test hydrilla samples for cyanobacteria that produces toxins which are deadly to many vertebrates including waterfowl and bald eagles (aetokthonos hydrillicola).