Invasive Species in the Lake George Watershed

Invasive Species 101
What is an Invasive Species?
Help Stop Invasive Species
Invasive Species and New York
Aquatic Plants and Animals
Terrestrial Plants
Forest Pests

Lake George Invaders
Spiny Water Flea
Asian Clam
Zebra Mussels
Curly-leaf Pondweed
Eurasian Watermilfoil

Lake George Lake Steward Program

Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week

Watch the 'Lake Defenders' documentary

Stop Aquatic Invasives - pdf
Please print and distribute this must-read flyer for LGA boaters & anglers.

Sept 2012 - LGPC consultants, the LA Group, present their recommendations for an aquatic invasive species prevention plan for Lake George, which includes mandatory boat inspections.

• See a pdf of the presentation here.

July 2012 -NYS Governor Cuomo signs new legislation to restrict sale, possession and importation of invasive species.

• See story in May 2012 LGA news about Assembly passage of the bill
• See LGA Special Section in Legislative Gazette - 4/17/12
• See LGA news release
• See town of Lake George resolution in support
• See the LGA Memorandum of Support here

May 2012 - Rainbow Beach Association is first Lake George homeowner association to adopt its own boat launching regulations.

• See story here (on page 3 of July 2012 LGA News) - pdf
• See exact regulations passed here - pdf.

Sept. 2011 - Warren County Passes Invasives Transport Law - First of its kind in the state

• See LGA news release
• Read the law

Fighting the Asian Clam. In November 2010, LGA staff members Emily DeBolt, left and Kristen Rohne, right, transfer water samples collected by divers into bottles. The samples were tested for dissolved oxygen, calcium and ammonia by Darrin Fresh Water Institute.

The LGA's Lake George invasive species program seeks to control and prevent the spread of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species in and around Lake George. Invasive species present a primary threat to water quality and clarity.

Education and spread prevention are the most cost effective ways to control invasive species on Lake George, and the LGA has significant investment in both. The LGA’s broad focus on both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species aims to keep the Lake and its watershed healthy for years to come.     

Management efforts undertaken once an invasive species has established itself in the Lake are difficult and costly.  For example, the Asian Clam -- will require extensive resources and funding to control. The LGA is playing an active and hands-on role on the Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force, the group researching and testing options to manage the clam.            

The LGA's invasive species program operates on a variety of levels — from coordinating a lake steward program at boat launches to giving talks for area community groups and schools.  In addition, the LGA coordinates the Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week for the Lake George region every July. LGA staff also give presentations at local, state and national conferences, for organizations such as the Lake George Watershed Coalition, the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, and the North American Lake Management Society.

We are also active in monitoring, mapping, and management. Often our management activities engage a youth group in community service.

Check out the links to the left more more details on our work with invasive species. If you have questions, send an email to Emily DeBolt, director of education, at info@lakegeorgeassociation.org or call 518-668-3558.