Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that outcompete native plants, and native wildlife for resources and can crowd out the native species.
They also affect humans by degrading boating, fishing, and recreational areas and by reducing lakeshore property values and tourism. (Click for more information about what invasive species are and how they spread.)
Education and spread prevention are the most cost-effective ways to control invasive wildlife in Lake George, which is why the Lake George Association invests in invasive species protection as well as education.
The 6 known aquatic invasive species in Lake George
Asian clams, Eurasian watermilfoil, Zebra mussels, Chinese mystery snails, spiny water fleas, and curly-leaf pondweed are all known to be established in the waters of Lake George. Click on the images below for more information about each species:
Potential aquatic invasive species
The following species threaten to invade Lake George:
Terrestrial Invasive Species
The water is not the only place where invasive wildlife can become established. The Lake George watershed is also susceptible to invasive species.
In fact, terrestrial invasive wildlife are the second leading factor in biodiversity loss. The following plants have been identified by the Lake George Land Conservancy as the “top five terrestrial invasive plants of the Lake George Watershed.”
- Common reed grass
- Garlic mustard
- Japanese knotweed
- Purple loosestrife
- Shrubby honeysuckles
Other significant terrestrial invaders in the Lake George watershed include black locust, white sweetclover, spotted knapweed, Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, winged euonymous (or burning bush), coltsfoot, black swallowwort, and velvetleaf. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the distribution of plants known to be invasive species in New York, you can see the list of prohibited and regulated plants here.
If you are planning gardening or landscaping activities in the Lake George watershed, check out our tips for landscaping with native plants, and be a part of Lake-Friendly Living! If you would like to be a part of monitoring and managing the spread of invasive wildlife, check out our Citizen Science programs.