Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 13, 2001
For more information: Dave Ode, 773-4227

BOATERS BEWARE OF INVASIVE, AQUATIC PLANTS

PIERRE – Boaters and other watercraft users are helping to quickly spread noxious, invasive water plants, and Game, Fish and Parks officials say that we all need to be aware of these plants and help to prevent their spreading throughout South Dakota’s waterways.

"Curly pondweed was recently discovered in Canyon Lake in the Black Hills and is now an added threat to that lake," said Game, Fish and Parks Botanist Dave Ode. "In just the last 30 years, curly pond weed has invaded Angostura Reservoir and Sheridan Lake in the Black Hills, as well as Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lewis and Clark Lake and Burbank Lake. It is easily spread by boaters if proper steps are not followed."

"Boaters, anglers and other water enthusiasts are helping to spread noxious plants to new waters at an accelerating rate," he said. "They do this by transporting plant fragments that get caught on their boat propellers, trailers and other equipment. Such fragments can survive for several days in most weather or most boat compartments, like bilgewells and livewells."

Eurasian watermilfoil is another concern for South Dakota’s waters.

"Eurasian watermilfoil is currently only found in Lake Sharpe, but it can easily be spread, and it is especially important for Lake Sharpe boaters to make sure there are no fragments on their boat," Ode said. "Our number one goal is to try to prevent its introduction into new waters. Once Eurasian watermilfoil gets into a lake, it spreads rapidly, and we have not found any good methods of controlling it."

To avoid spreading noxious aquatic plants, Ode recommends that boaters:

• Inspect their boats, trailers and boating equipment and remove any visible plants and animals before entering the water or leaving a lake. Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge and transom wells while on shore and before leaving any water.

• Never release live bait into the water or release aquatic plants or animals from one body of water into another.

• Flush boats, boating equipment, and personal watercraft with high-pressure water or leave it in the sun to dry for five days.

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