2016 Cayuga Lake Hydrilla Project Updates
James Balyszak
Good Afternoon,
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2016 Hydrilla Treatment Updates
Treatment Notification Mailing List
Overall, herbicide treatments will be scaled back in 2016 in the Cayuga Inlet. This will result in lowered Project costs and lowered herbicide input into local waters, while still maintaining management pressure on remaining hydrilla populations. Treatments in Fall Creek will be similar to those in 2015.
1. CAYUGA INLET: Primary treatment for 2016 will consist of Sonar treatments (low-dose, systemic herbicide. Active ingredient: fluridone). One (1) Sonar Genesis (liquid) injection unit will be installed at the NYSDEC fish ladder (southern inlet). Sonar H4C (pellet) treatment areas will also covered under 2016 management strategies. Sonar H4C treatment areas will include: Cornell Boathouse bay, Cascadilla Creek, Linderman Creek, and East Branch of Cayuga Inlet. Once initiated, Sonar treatment will extend for approximately 60 – 90 days (depending on observed hydrilla growth/regrowth). The Hydrilla Task Force (HTF) is currently coordinating with Project contractors for shipment and installation of the Sonar Genesis injection unit on July 5th, prior to treatment initiation. NYSDEC is currently reviewing permit applications for the 2016 treatments. It is anticipated that NYSDEC permit approval will be completed by the week of July 18th. Treatments will start shortly thereafter (the week of July 18th).
NOTE: Since there will be no contact herbicide treatment (Aquathol-K) in Cayuga Inlet in 2016, there willNO closure of the inlet for 24hrs. Again, Cayuga Inlet will NOT be closed for 24hrs in association with herbicide treatments in 2016. The Inlet will remain open for boating and recreational use!!
2. FALL CREEK: Primary treatment for 2016 will involve Aquathol-K (contact herbicide. Active ingredient: endothall) injection treatment to the main channel of Fall Creek AND Aquathol-K spot-treatments in backwater areas (golf course lagoon, Fall Creek cove, Stewart Park pond, and DEC wetland). An injection unit will be installed upstream in Fall Creek (adjacent to Lake Street Bridge), which will meter in Aquathol-K product over a 24hr period. Herbicide applicators will use johnboat/backpack application equipment to treat the backwater areas of Fall Creek.
Follow-up Sonar H4C (low-dose, systemic herbicide pellets. Active ingredient: fluridone) will be applied to Fall Creek backwater areas for approx. 60 – 90 days (depending on observed hydrilla growth). Sonar H4C treatments will help address possible hydrilla regrowth following the initial Aquathol-K treatment.
The Hydrilla Task Force (HTF) is currently coordinating with Project contractors for installation of injection unit prior to treatment initiation. NYSDEC is currently reviewing permit applications for the 2016 treatments. It is anticipated that NYSDEC permit approval will be completed by the week of July 18th. Treatments in Fall Creek will likely occur sometime between late July and mid-August*
*Treatment initiation will depend upon observed hydrilla germination and growth AND weather/flow conditions
3. SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE: An isolated hydrilla patch was discovered in late 2015 (adjacent to Cornell Sailing Center, in 3 – 3.5 meters of water). The HTF plans to address this patch though physical removal and benthic barrier installation. Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists (RJAE) has been contracted to conduct physical removal and benthic barrier installations in 2016. The HTF and RJAE are currently coordinating on ongoing plant community/hydrilla monitoring and sampling. Physical removal and benthic barrier installation timing will be based on growth observations conducted by RJAE. Additional physical removal and benthic barrier installation will be utilized (when/where applicable, based on any new hydrilla discoveries).
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 the official Hydrilla Project website (www.Stophydrilla.org).
If you have questions or need additional information, please visit the official Hydrilla Project website (www.stophydrilla.org) 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,
