Project Number: 6629-22000-009-28
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 01, 2007
End Date: Jul 31, 2012

Objective:
Determine diversity and distribution of aquatic weed species of importance to Connecticut. Prioritize weed species on which to concentrate based on their current or potential impact on Connecticut's waterways. Examine critically available weed management strategies for the key weed species. Propose new directions for biologically based, integrated management of these weed species.

Approach:
An initial aquatic plant survey will be conducted, with a focus on the largest 50-60 lakes throughout Connecticut. Options for effective aquatic weed control include sediment removal, water level draw-down, harvesting, biological control, bottom barriers, and herbicides. Other methods of control that need to be investigated include various biological control agents, including grass carp and insects. It is noteworthy that the use and success of biological control in Connecticut lakes is largely unknown. The specific method of control that will provide the greatest success is going to be highly lake dependent but investigations will begin on the bodies of water identified with the worst infestations.