Cleveland Metroparks Reports New Invasive Plant Threat, Restrications At Wallace Lake

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

JANE CHRISTYSON - 216-635-3229 -or- 216-780-9592  

BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or- 216-339-1699

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is a highly
invasive aquatic weed that researches believe came from Africa or
Southeast Asia. It is often called the �perfect� aquatic weed
because of its ability to grow rapidly under just about any
conditions.  Unfortunately, this perfect plant grows so fast
that it chokes out all other plants and animals in an affected body
of water.

�Researchers in Ohio who have been on the look-out for this
plant, suggest that Hydrilla is not presently wide-spread, and
aggressive control efforts in Wallace Lake have a good chance of
eradicating it and halting it,� said Cleveland Metroparks Chief of
Natural Resources John Mack.  Wallace Lake is in Mill Stream
Run Reservation in Berea.  �Cleveland Metroparks adopted an
early detection/early control approach to new invasive plant
invaders in its 2009 Invasive Plant Management Program Plan,� Mack
continued.  �Hydrilla represents the first significant
occurrence of a new invasive plant that warrants full
implementation of this approach since this program was
adopted.�

The herbicide SONAR^TM is being used to treat Wallace
Lake. It is added to the lake at  very low concentrations for
long periods of time, generally 30 to 60 days.  It will be
gradually absorbed by the plant until it is killed. There are no
restrictions on human ingestion of or contact with
SONAR^TM at the low concentration that will be used at
Wallace Lake, and the treatment will also act against other
nuisance aquatic weeds while not effecting more beneficial aquatic
plants. These treatments will likely need to occur for several
years until the Hydrilla has been eradicated.

The following actions at Wallace Lake are being taken to limit
the spread of Hydrilla:

Boats - all watercraft brought by visitors will be
prohibited until it is determined that there is little or no risk
of spread of Hydrilla from Wallace Lake. Cleveland Metroparks
kayaks and paddleboats will continue to be used within the
restricted buoyed area of the lake during the remainder of the 2012
season because Cleveland Metroparks controls the placement and
cleaning of these boats. The restriction on boating is likely to
continue through September.

Fishing - will be prohibited during the active
SONAR^TM treatment period, which will continue through
August 26.  Signs will be posted.

Swimming - will continue with no restrictions in
the current beach area.

For more information, call 216-635-3200.