Preventing and Controlling Aquatic Problem Plants in Freshwater
Channel: Watershed Action Alliance
Date: 2017-05-10

Learn to identify common aquatic problem plants of southeastern Massachusetts and the methods of preventing and controlling them from Tom Flannery, Aquatic Ecologist for MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Ponds and Lakes Program. Flannery has years of experience in Massachusetts controlling freshwater aquatic plants, which he shares in this presentation filmed in 2017 at Solutions for Healthy Waters, WAA's biennial regional water issues conference.

He presents information on such problem plants as Eurasian and variable milfoil, fanwort, curly pondweed, European naiad, water chestnut, parrot feather, South American waterweed, and hydrilla. 

The best way to control these plants is to prevent them from establishing, and Flannery discusses the importance of early detection and treatment.

Flannery also discuss ways to control these plants using a variety of methods including: hydro-raking, diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), mechanical harvesting, hand-pulling, benthic matting, and aquatic herbicides.

At the end of the presentation, Flannery outlines what is available from the state of Massachusetts for watershed and pond associations, as well as individuals, to help them learn about and control aquatic invasive plants.