Topic:
Local Natural Resource Agency Seeking Help to Control Water Chestnut
Concern:
The highly aquatic invasive plant Water chestnut (Trapa natans. L.) has been spreading
over the many recent decades throughout water bodies in Oswego County. Despite years of mechanical
harvesting and chemical treatments, there still remains a population in the Oswego River that requires a
vigilant effort for control. If left unintended, this small population will explode very rapidly; consuming
the surface areas, depleting oxygen in the water, destroying native aquatic and fishery habitats, and
restricting recreational boating and fishing.
Geographic Area: Primarily the Oswego River. There still remains a thinly scatter population of water
chestnut strewn between Minetto and Phoenix, NY. Other water bodies being impacted include: Oneida
River, Oneida Lake, Rice Creek, Little Salmon River, Sage Creek, Salmon River, and Grindstone Creek.
Project for Control:
To organize a physical hand pulling effort utilizing volunteers with canoes
and/or kayaks. Depending upon the number of volunteers, a certain section of the Oswego River could be
assigned to a specific group of pullers, having them 'adopt' this section as their responsibility. One thought
is to have pullers invest between 2-3 hours per month for the months of June, July and August. Pullers
would collect water chestnut plants into plastic garbage bags and place them on shore. Some canoes
w/PFDs (personal floatation device) can be supplied along with garbage bags for collection. Water safety
is an issue. All pullers will need to verify their water safety knowledge and small boat handling
experience. Pullers will need to be in good physical shape and have means to get to the project site. Those
having their own canoe or kayak are welcome.
Contact Information:
Those interested may contact John DeHollander, District Manager at the
Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District located at 3105 State Route 3, Fulton NY 13069; by
telephoning 592-9663 or email at: john.dehollander@oswegosoilandwater.com. Response is requested
quickly so that proper planning and organizing can take place in an efficient manner for the 2016 season.
Dated: December 2, 2015