Property Owners' Association of Deep Creek Lake

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Update on Hydrilla

 

 

October 30, 2013
Folks,

 

On October 28, 2013, at the scheduled Policy Review Board (PRB) meeting, Bruce Michael, Director of Resource Assessment Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provided an update on the status of efforts to identify, manage and control the recently discovered presence of Hydrilla in Deep Creek Lake (DCL).  Hydrilla is fast growing (up to one foot a day), is very dense, and grows to the surface of the lake.  As it grows, it may crowd out native species of sub aquatic vegetation (SAV).

 

Bruce advised the initial sighting of Hydrilla was made during a routine monitoring visit on September 27th by his staff.  They returned on two separate occasions in October with the purpose of conducting a thorough survey of the shallow waters of the lake to determine the Hydrilla distribution.   Survey results, as shown on the attached map, indicate the Hydrilla is confined to the Southwestern end of the Lake.  Currently, 14 patches of this invasive SAV have been identified at 12 sites in Deep Creek Cove.  At present, the Hydrilla infestation appears to be localized so that several methods of control are available.  However, more data on the number and size of infestations is needed to determine what control approaches would be most effective.   DNR is continuing to gather and process information with the goal of examining options for controlling the spread of the Hydrilla.  

 

DNR is assembling a panel of experts on the subject of Hydrilla and management options to make recommendations as to the best possible control measures for our lake.  They are consulting a variety of experts on the east coast of the United States including Cornell University.  The advice of the expert panel will help guide DNR in developing a strategy for control.  All Hydrilla management and control options will be considered, including herbicides.   If herbicides are recommended for use at DCL, DNR will examine the pro's and con's and share this information with the various stakeholders at the lake before taking any action.  

 

Additionally, Bruce mentioned DNR will examine the option of installing a boat cleaning station in an effort to prevent further invasive species of SAV from being introduced into DCL by boats which have been in other bodies of water where it has been picked up.  Cost estimates for all control options will be evaluated. 

 

As additional factual information becomes available, we will provide it to you.

Bruce Michael of DNR and Ken Fisher, a POA member, assisted in the preparation of this eBlast.

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Bob Hoffmann

President