The Tahoe Resource Conservation District (www.tahoercd.org) recently released a summary of its Aquatic Invasive Weed Survey and Control.
Aquatic weed control continued through the 2009 summer season in Emerald Bay. This treatment included the installation of 54 bottom barriers and utilizing vacuum-assisted hand removal around the edges of bottom barriers and in areas where bottom barriers are not feasible.
A new infestation of curly-leaf pondweed, Potamogeton crispus, was detected this season. The satellite population was treated and will be monitored and re-treated as necessary. A comprehensive, diver-assisted lake wide survey was completed in October. Results from this survey and results from control efforts will be reported once the data analysis in finalized.
In addition to the actual control work in Emerald Bay, the Lake Tahoe Nearshore Aquatic Weed Working Group revised the Aquatic Weed Monitoring Protocol and survey forms to reflect weed control efforts in a quantitative manner.
The TRCD also is working to develop a data management system for the purpose of monitoring, prioritizing and documenting aquatic weed removal efforts on a lake wide scale. This will include removal and monitoring efforts performed by the private sector such as private docks, marinas and homeowners associations.
