Hydrilla and alligatorweed have been found in the waters of Lake Wylie. These non-native, invasive plants have no natural enemies in Lake Wylie so they will flourish if measures are not taken to control them. If they flourish, they will have a disastrous effect on the lake. Both plants form dense surface mats which interfere with boating, swimming, fishing and recreational activities as well as degrade water quality by reducing oxygen levels and displacing desirable plant species.
Hydrilla is an underwater plant which grows in long strands up to a foot in length each day and grows both horizontally and vertically. It is difficult to see but it has been spotted on several acres of Lake Wylie near the I-85 bridge in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties and as far south as South Fork.
Whether introduced to local waterways through dumping of aquariums into water supplies or by fishermen looking to create fish cover, there is no known method of removing it from a body of water once it is present.
Hydrilla can be managed by using herbicides which retard growth and by introducing sterile Asian “triploid” grass carp into water where hydrilla is present so they eat the hydrilla. The Lake Wylie Marine Commission worked with Duke Energy to develop a management plan which includes the introduction of the Asian grass carp. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources must approve the stocking plan. The Marine Commission will purchase the fish and work with Duke Energy to stock the lake by no later than Spring 2008 if both states approve the plan.
Images by Bo Ibach
Alligatorweed grows in floating mats along the shoreline but it can grow underwater and on land which makes it more difficult to eradicate. Floating mats get hung up around dams, fallen trees, and other structures, especially boat ramps and can grow entirely across waterways. The mats also harbor mosquitoes. Boaters must use great care not to transport it from one body of water to another on a boat or trailer.
Herbicides are primarily used to manage alligatorweed in North Carolina. Insects have been successful in Florida but they cannot over-winter very well North Carolina.
If you believe you see hydrilla or alligatorweed in the lake, make note of the location and contact one of the following:
Duke Energy Aquatic Weed Program
Ken Manuel 704-875-5424 or klmanuel@duke-energy.com
SC Department of Natural Resources
1-803-755-2872 or invasiveweeds@dnr.sc.gov
To learn more about these plants and how you can help:
SC DNR Aquatic Nuisance Species Program website
NC Aquatic Weed Control Program website
Invasive Aquatic Plant Management in South Carolina website
NCSU Aquatic Plant Management website
The northern snakehead, an Asian predatory fish, has been caught from Lake Wylie. In a worst case scenario, if northern snakeheads become established, they are so voracious they could decimate game fish in the Catawba River Basin.
Learn to identify the northern snakehead from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Fishing FAQS
If you believe you have caught a northern snakehead, keep it, freeze it in a plastic bag and call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 919-707-0220.
From the SC Department of Natural Resources:
Don’t Give Water Weeds A Free Ride!
When you leave a body of water:
- Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
- Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
- Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
- Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of the body of water.
- Don’t release aquarium animals or plants into the lake
- Report aquatic weed problems