Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals
Over the years, many plants and animals have been brought into the US either intentionally or as stowaways in cargo and materials. Without native predators, many of these species out compete native species or reproduce in such a large quantity as to cause environmental damage.
The Association’s regular activities include conducting annual surveys of the lake to identify any invasive aquatic plants before they can gain a foothold. The Association conducts its invasives program in partnership with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APPIP). Association volunteers are trained by APPIP professionals to properly survey the lake, identify native and non-native species, and report results annually for compilation by APPIP.
Up until 2016, no invasive species had been detected. However, in 2016, the spiny water flea was discovered in Indian Lake. This small invasive animal has no predators in our environment and there are no known approaches to remediation. Spiny waterfleas eat small animals (zooplankton) which are an important food for native fishes. In some lakes, they caused the decline or elimination of some species of native zooplankton. They can clog eyelets of fishing rods and prevent fish from being landed.
Spiny water flea on fishing line
More information about Adirondack invasive species can be found at the web site for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program.