Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

The purpose of this document is to provide a general outline of the goal and objectives of the RLPF’s Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (Plan).  The Plan is based largely on the recommendations   found in the two documents “Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan” and “New York State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.”.

The goal of the Plan is to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Raquette Lake. To accomplish this goal, five objectives were identified.

  1. Prevent new introductions of AIS into Raquette Lake.
  2. Detect new introductions of AIS, as well as changes in the population of Variable Leaf Milfoil (VLM) (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). 
  3. Remediate and limit the spread of VLM. 
  4. Educate Raquette Lakers, and the visiting public on VLM and the other AIS that can infiltrate Raquette Lake.
  5. Facilitate research to further our understanding of how best to manage the challenges posed by AIS.

Specific actions that will be taken by RLPF to achieve these objectives are described below. 

Objective 1 – Prevent New Introductions.

RLPF’s highest priority is to prevent the introduction of a new invasive species in Raquette Lake. Without question, prevention is the smartest strategy to manage the invasive species problem. To that end, RLPF and its partner, The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) at Paul Smith’s College, support several programs that help prevent the introduction of AIS. They include: 1) provide support to the boat launch steward program sponsored by AWI; 2) increase public awareness about the invasive problem by providing information via RLPF’s website, annual meeting, press releases and RLPF newsletter. 

Objective 2 – Detect new introductions of AIS as well as changes in VLM population.

Early detection of an invasive species is critical for any subsequent control effort to be successful. Additionally, Raquette’s VLM population has at times quickly expanded its range and or density resulting in the need for treatment of impacted areas. RLPF members will continue to annually survey the shoreline to detect any new AIS and to track the existing population of VLM.  There are currently about 10 members of RLPF that have taken APIPP training on how to conduct a survey.  Survey data will be reported to the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP),  uploaded to iMapinvasives and also maintained in a spreadsheet by RLPF.  Since we currently are unable to survey all 90-plus miles of shoreline each year, areas around boat launches and existing beds of VLM will be prioritized. We also plan to add to the current pool of members that have taken the APIPP  training so that the entire shoreline can be surveyed annually. RLPF will also provide logistical and, to the extent possible, financial support to outside organizations that will help us achieve this objective. 

 Objective 3 – Remediate and Limit the Spread of VLM.

VLM is firmly established in Raquette Lake and in many of its tributaries.  Survey results from the “Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Response Team 2016 Report” found VLM present in about 30% of the lake’s shoreline weed beds, covering a total area of 418 acres. Some established beds of VLM can become so dense that it can have negative ecological, socioeconomic, public health and safety impacts. RLPF believes that further expansion of the VLM would be detrimental to Raquette Lake and that targeted treatments are needed to keep the population from expanding. The decisions on when and where to treat will be based on the results from shoreline surveys and from feedback from local residents. Benthic mats or hand harvesting will be the only treatments used to control VLM. Before any treatment begins information on the treatment will be made available to the public via RLPF’s website as well as through a press release. The treatment’s effectiveness will be evaluated upon completion and adjustments made as needed. All treatments will adhere to the conditions specified in the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) – Stewardship Agreement Number :  14-05-NO-13  Effective September 15, 2014 to September 15, 2019; and, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA)  – General Permit 2015G-2:  Permit Number: P2016-59  Effective March 28, 2016. 

Objective 4 – Educate the public and Raquette Lakers on the risks of VLM and other AIS.

RLPF believes increasing public awareness about invasive species is critical. We will continue efforts to distribute educational materials via the boat launch stewards, our newsletter, periodic press releases, on our web site and annual meeting.
    
 Objective 5 – Facilitate Research

Raquette Lake has been the subject of research by academia and government for many decades. RLPF wishes to continue this long tradition and, when possible, expand upon the effort. Whenever possible, RLPF will continue to provide logistical and, to the extent possible, financial support to institutions interested in studying Raquette Lake. In particular, we will support research on prevention and control methods for AIS. RLPF will inform the public about research activity on Raquette Lake via its website and through press releases.

Plan Funding

Dedicated, sustained funding in support of RLPF’s Plan is a vital part of its success and effectiveness. The challenge of invasive species cannot be managed by piecemeal and sporadic funding. Unfortunately, RLPF’s baseline revenue alone is inadequate and full funding for the Plan relies on grants and private donations, which are inherently unpredictable.

Following is a list of additional actions that could be taken if funding was adequate.

  • Prevention –  Currently funded by PSC AWI grant from NYS – $24,000 – $30,000/ year.
    • Provide additional Boat Launch Steward coverage at the Village and Burkes ramp.
    • Build and Operate a boat wash station near the Village boat ramp.
    • Install online temperature and level sensors at village boat launch. Use Wi-Fi connection at village boat launch to upload data to RLPFs website.
    • AIS informational display at the village boat launch using the Wi-Fi connection.
    • Create and  distribute Raquette Lake specific educational materials regarding AIS.
  • Detection – Currently funded by Volunteer labor.
    • Annually Survey all 90+ miles of shoreline and include Marion River.
  • Remediation – Currently funded by Town of Long Lake and RLPF donations.
    • Initiate hand harvesting of the streams entering the lake 
    • Continuing hand harvesting and applying Benthic barriers to areas in the lake 
    • Current funding in this area is inadequate.  To be minimally effective remediation needs to be funded at a level comparable to Prevention.
  • Education – Currently funded by PSC AWI grants and RLPF operating funds.
    • Continue supporting PSC AWI’s public education campaigns. 
  • Research – Currently funded by SUNY Cortland grants and RLPF operating funds.
    • Partner with SUNY Cortland to build and operate basic water quality laboratory at Raquette Lake  campus.
    • Partner with SUNY Cortland to purchase field instrumentation to measure basic water quality in lake’s water column.
    • Create digital AIS map for Raquette Lake.
    • Hire consultant to help prepare Watershed Management Plan for Raquette Lake.