Step-wise Approach to Managing Pond "Weeds"

	If you decide you need to manage aquatic plants in your pond or lake, it should be a careful, thoughtful choice. It is wise to remember that, if you remove what is currently there, something is sure to grow back in its place. Three key steps are needed before choosing which is the appropriate management strategy.
1) Clearly define your overall goals, both immediate and long-term, for the lake or pond. Do you like to use the pond for fishing and recreation? Do you need the pond for livestock and farm runoff? Is the lake also a source of drinking water? Is your goal to provide access to the lake for boats or swimming? Depending on your goals, different management options are appropriate.
2) It is very important to accurately identify what type and species of plants are being targeted. Some are problems, others are not. Different management strategies work for different plants. Some exotic weeds have native counterparts which are very similar in appearance. Ask representatives from the Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, or if appropriate you may contact your county Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator for assistance in completing the plant identification form.

3) Consider the following criteria when selecting the most appropriate management strategy for your lake or pond:

• Size of the lake or pond: Large lakes require considerably more resources than smaller systems. Multiple ownerships require getting permission from all lakeshore owners before certain methods can be used.
• Residence time of water: Water flows through the pond at different rates depending on the number and size of inflowing and outflowing streams, the depth of the pond, and the contribution of groundwater. Fast flows mean short residence times, and therefore techniques such as herbicide application may be less effective since they may be flushed out before they can do their job.
• Species of other plants present: Generally ponds support a mixture of different plant species. Most removal strategies work best for a few species but can have impacts on associated species. It is important to know what other plant species will be affected by the management technique being used.
• Spatial extent and location of the problem plant: Problem plants located in small patches between docks can be treated differently than large patches widespread along the shoreline.
• Side effects to animals and water quality: Several methods have side effects which can temporarily impair the quality of water for drinking, swimming or fishing.
• Your lakeshore neighbors' perspective: Many strategies will impact much more than a selected stretch of shoreline. Neighbor perspectives will need to be considered.
• Cost and resources available: Costs of most management strategies can be expensive. However, these costs can be reduced if equipment or divers are available for free.
• Regulatory limitations: The use of chemical shades, herbicides, and biological control methods require a permit from NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

4) With these steps considered, you are now ready to select an appropriate management option.

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