Invasions and declines of submersed macrophytes in lake george and other adirondack lakes

Abstract

Management of nuisance aquatic plants in New York state is directed toward the exotic species, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton crispus, Trapa natans, and Cabomba caroliniana. Public access to a lake may be the number one factor contributing to invasion by M. spicatum. All types of lakes in the Adirondack Mountain region have been invaded by this species except acid lakes. In shallow, eutrophic lakes the entire littoral zone is often comprised of M. spicatum growing to the surface, whereas populations in more oligotrophic lakes form isolated patches. Native plant species in general appear to be stable, except where exotic species have colonized and are dominating. © 1994 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.