Brittle Naiad, An Invasive Plant, Found At Dog Creek Lake
Posted:6/25/2013
O'Brien
/ Dog Creek Park
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the presence of brittle naiad, an invasive aquatic plant, at Dog Creek Lake in O’Brien County. Because no other lakes in the area are infested with brittle naiad, the boat ramp has been closed to help prevent its spread to other waterbodies.
“Preventing the spread of brittle naiad to other lakes is the key here now,” said Kim Bogenschutz, the DNR’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator. “This plant is extremely difficult to eradicate once it gets into a lake.”
Brittle naiad is difficult to control because the plant can grow from either the seeds or from plant fragments that have broken free. The DNR plans to use an aquatic herbicide called Sonar to treat the brittle naiad. It will take about 60 days after treatment for all the plants to die. If plants are killed too quickly, the mass of decaying plants will rob the water of oxygen and could cause a fish kill. There are no restrictions on fishing or swimming with the use of Sonar, so those activities will not be affected.
“It is extremely expensive to remove these types of exotic plants using chemicals,” Bogenschutz said. “Sonar will kill the plants, but then we will potentially have to deal with the seed bed. Follow up treatments may be needed in coming years.”
Brittle naiad is similar to Eurasian watermilfoil. Both plant species spread rapidly and can take over lakes, crowding out more desired aquatic plants. Brittle naiad has spread throughout much of the eastern United States and has been confirmed in several locations throughout Iowa.
Anglers and boaters can help prevent the spread of brittle naiad and aquatic invasive species.
*Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud before leaving a water access.
*Drain water from bait buckets, livewell, bilge, transom, and motor before leaving a water access.
*Dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash.
*Spray/wash your boat, trailer, and equipment with high pressure or hot water before going to other waters, OR
*Dry everything for at least five days before going to other waters.
