Aquatic Plant Surveys

The earliest aquatic plant survey we know about was done in 1984. More recently a survey that listed species found but did not quantify them was done by Misha Cetner and Bethany Sargent of the VT DEC in 2012.

Beginning in 2014, the LIA has contracted with independent scientific organizations to conduct aquatic plant surveys on Lake Iroquois in order to study the effects of the invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) on the native species in the lake and to determine the extent of the EWM infestation. These surveys each include species rosters. While there is some variation in numbers of native aquatic plant species found in the various surveys, it is clear that the number and variety of native aquatic plants has decreased since the infestation of EWM. In 1984, 45 native species were found in the lake. The surveys done since 2014 have shown a decrease to between 19 and 23 native species with the most dominant aquatic plants found being invasive EWM.

The LIA continues its efforts to reduce and control the invasive EWM and will continue to carry out regular plant surveys to track progress in this regard.