Cayuga Hydrilla Project: End of 2016 Herbicide Treatments
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Greetings,
As of October 1, 2016, the Hydrilla Task Force (HTF) and its stakeholders will be finalizing hydrilla herbicide treatments for the 2016 season! The Sonar Genesis (low-dose, systemic herbicide. Active ingredient: fluridone) injection unit located near the NYSDEC fish ladder (southern Cayuga Inlet) will be shut off on September 29th, after which NO further Sonar Genesis injection OR Sonar H4C (pellet) bump applications will be made for the remainder of 2016.
The HTF is happy to report that herbicide applications for the treatment of the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla went smoothly this season. Herbicide concentrations were within target application range and retention time of product was optimal. Again, the HTF was able to significantly scale back the quantity of herbicide applied to the Cayuga Inlet system this season! Where previous seasons saw a combination treatment utilizing the contact herbicide Aquathol-K (active ingredient: endothall) and low-dose herbicide Sonar (active ingredient: fluridone), only the Sonar product was used in Cayuga Inlet in 2016. The HTF hopes to continue this trend of reducing overall herbicide application to the Cayuga Inlet system in 2017 and beyond.
Although treatments have finished for the 2016 season, the Hydrilla Task Force will continue water quality monitoring for residual herbicide levels within Cayuga Inlet, Fall Creek, and southern Cayuga Lake until all sampling sites show non-detectable levels. 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).
As usual, it has been an incredibly busy field season! The Hydrilla Task Force greatly appreciates the support of its stakeholders and the community on the ongoing Hydrilla Eradication efforts, especially during such a challenging season where the lack of rainfall and extremely low water levels created additional challenges for the local community and ecosystem. The Hydrilla Project wouldn't be nearly as successful if it weren't for the interest and support of the local community!!
Stay tuned for updates regarding the End-of-Season Hydrilla Public meeting, which we anticipate scheduling in November!
Many thanks!
Sincerely,
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