Page 9 - Fishing Report | 08-10-16

2. How many acres on Pymatuning are being impacted by Hydrilla?

Hydrilla was first identified in Pymatuning

in 2010 and according to a lake wide vege-

tation survey completed last fall, hydrilla is
now in 10.85% of the lake and is the 3rd on

the list of most frequently found after

Southern Naiad and Eurasian Watermilfoil.

3. How many acres of water have been treat-

ed with herbicide? What is the herbicide Left unchecked, Hydrilla can overrun sections any
being used? Is it a selective herbicide for lake. Photo of a lake infestation from internet.

just Hydrilla, or does it kill other vegetation

which benefit various panfish/gamefish species?

In 2016 two new chemicals were added to the park’s DEP permit. 18.5 acres treated
with Sonar H4C (fluridone) and 39.85 acres treated with Aquathol K (Endothall).
Aquathol is a one-time liquid injection and Sonar H4C is a granular application that
requires one initial treatment and 2 follow up treatments per season. Representa-
tives from each of the companies were part of the initial discussions on locations,
size of treatment areas, and how and when to dose. They were present on site when
we did the applications. Where we are treating we are targeting the hydrilla beds
where other species have already been limited or pushed out completely. Depend-
ing on the specific species, the chemical labels list whether it has potential to sup-
press or control and at what rates they are impacted. Our goal again is to target the
hydrilla beds, not whole lake treatment.

4. How long will treatment for Hydrilla continue and what is the cost associated with
controlling it?

As with any invasive species treatment that we do, it is unrealistic to believe we can
eliminate the species from the ecosystem. We aim to stop the spread, decrease the
population, and then control the species into the foreseeable future. This year be-
tween chemical and man hours we have about $35,000 into the treatments. Ohio
DNR received a GLRI grant for $25,000 which has been a tremendous help covering
a good portion of the chemicals. We were unable to cover all locations with Hydrilla
this year due to budget limits but are hopeful to expand to cover additional areas
next year.