Physical Control of Nonindigenous Aquatic Plants in Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA

Establishment of nonindigenous (NI) aquatic plants in the nearshore regions of freshwater ecosystems has resulted in environmental degradation, recreation concerns, economic impacts, and substantial management challenges. To reduce these undesirable effects, NI aquatic plants are often targeted for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Invasive plant science and management 2016-04, Vol.9 (2), p.138-147
Main Authors: Shaw, Daniel W. H, Hymanson, Zachary P, Sasaki, Tamara L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adverse effects
Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic plants
Benthic barriers
Boats
Case Study
cost effectiveness
diver-assisted suction removal
early detection
Ecological monitoring
Economic impact
Environmental degradation
Environmental monitoring
Freshwater ecosystems
Funding
Incentives
integrated weed management
invasive species
Lake Tahoe
Lakes
monitoring
Parks & recreation areas
Physical control
rapid methods
rapid response
recreation
Researchers
Weed control
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Summary:Establishment of nonindigenous (NI) aquatic plants in the nearshore regions of freshwater ecosystems has resulted in environmental degradation, recreation concerns, economic impacts, and substantial management challenges. To reduce these undesirable effects, NI aquatic plants are often targeted for removal or control by management agencies, but the efficacy of implementation is often not documented or sustained. In this study, we developed a management plan to completely remove all NI plants from Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA, using only physical control techniques. Management plan priorities were based on previous research and lessons learned, including the need for (1) integrated weed management using multiple physical control techniques, (2) a large initial treatment investment, (3) ongoing early detection and rapid response, (4) detailed ecological monitoring, and (5) a long-term commitment to annual maintenance removal. Application of this management plan resulted in complete removal of all NI aquatic plants from Emerald Bay and substantial cost savings each year after the initial large investment. Annual maintenance removal and monitoring will need to continue as long as NI aquatic plants continue to enter Emerald Bay on boats and currents from other areas of Lake Tahoe.
ISSN:1939-7291
1939-747X
1939-747X
DOI:10.1614/IPSM-D-16-00005.1