This summer an invasive plant called HYDRILLA VERTICILLATA was discovered in Cayuga Inlet.
I am told that:
* it grows rapidly
* it clogs waterways preventing boating
* it shades out other species of water plants
* the nearest place it is known is Long Island
* it is not yet in the Great Lakes, but could get there from here
* it is now on about 9 acres but by next year it could be 90 acres.
* it can take root as deep as 12 feet below the water surface
The greatest concentrations of it are at
* the RED LIGHTHOUSE JETTY
* the mouth of Cascadila Creek and adjacent Johnson Boatyard & Farmers' Market
* the area around the Cornell & IC crew boathouses and the lagoon immediately to the north
* plus various places south as far as the Route 89 bridge.
The City of Ithaca (and perhaps DEC and other groups) plan to
try to eliminate the Hydrilla this fall by pulling the rooted plants
using scuba divers where necessary and by applying to the individual
plants an herbicide called AQUATHOL K Aquatic Herbicide
It will probably happen within the next few weeks. If anyone
has reasons this should not be done or advice how or when to apply it
to maximize effectiveness or minimize the effects on wildlife - such as the birds which rest and feed around the red lighthouse jetty - please contact:
ROXANNA JOHNSTON,
Watershed Coordinator
<roxan...@cityofithaca.org>
607-273-4680.
More specific info on the heribicide:
The active ingredient (40.3%) is Dipotassium salt of endothall
(7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid equivalent 28.6%).
4.3 pounds per gallon
EPA Registration No. 70506-176
EPA Establishment No. 62171-MS-003
Manufactured by:
United Phosphorus, Inc,
630 Freedom Business Center, Suite 402,
King of Prussia PA 19406,
1-800-438-6071
www.upi-usa.com
It is water soluble and will diffuse from where it is applied.
It is toxic to fish.
It is toxic to wildlife.
It is corrosive and coauses irreversible eye damage.
It may be fatal if swallowed.
It is a contact herbicide, "effective against a broad range of aquatic plants" at dosages in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 ppm dipotassium endothall.
It may be sprayed on the water surface, or injected below the surface.
If you think this is liable to be ineffective or terribly detrimental to wildlife, please also let me know, and I may be able, as a landowner near the Cayuga Inlet, to influence the situation.
--Dave Nutter
--Dave Nutter
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