Hydrilla Treatment Updates

[sma93]

Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed

2015 Hydrilla Treatment Updates

2015 herbicide treatments in the Cayuga Inlet and Fall Creek will be similar to prior years.

1.      Mid- to late-July herbicide application in Cayuga Inlet and Fall Creek:  The exact timing of the application of the contact herbicide Aquathol-K (active ingredient: endothall) will be dependent on water/sediment temperatures, hydrilla germination and growth rates, water flow/weather conditions, and receipt of all necessary NYSDEC permits. Cayuga Inlet and the Fall Creek will be closed to boating and other recreational uses for a 24-hour period during the herbicide application. Waters outside of the treatment zones will not be closed. This closure provides for public safety, the safety of herbicide applicators, and optimal conditions for effective herbicide treatment.

You will receive further updates as the herbicide application dates draw closer, and as Hydrilla Task Force knows more about the exact treatment dates.

2.      Low-dose application of the systemic herbicide Sonar (active ingredient: fluridone) will begin shortly (days to weeks) after the initial Aquathol-K herbicide application in order to suppress any hydrilla regrowth. Sonar treatments will continue through late September/early October. Areas to receive Sonar treatment include: Cayuga Inlet, Fall Creek, and the southeast corner of Cayuga Lake. There will be no swimming or boating restrictions associated with these treatments.

The Hydrilla Task Force monitors herbicides levels through extensive water quality sampling and plant community monitoring. This helps to ensure public safety and the health of the aquatic plant community. Water quality monitoring results will be provided to the public through the Tompkins County Health Department website (http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health) and on the official Hydrilla Project website (www.Stophydrilla.org).

If you have questions or need additional information, please visit the Stophydrilla.org website OR contact the Hydrilla Program Manager, James Balyszak (Phone: 607-254-1715 or Email: stophy...@gmail.com).

Thank you for your continued interest and support!

Sincerely,

James Balyszak and Sharon Anderson

On behalf of the Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed