Eurasian Milfoil (invasive) is very abundant in early season

Eurasian Milfoil (invasive) is very abundant in early season

Eurasian Milfoil continues to be very abundant in the late season

Eurasian Milfoil continues to be very abundant in the late season

Curley leaf pondweed (invasive is abundant in some areas in early season

Curley leaf pondweed (invasive is abundant in some areas in early season

Curley leaf pondweed diminishes in late season

Curley leaf pondweed diminishes in late season

Plant biomass in early season

Plant biomass in early season

Plant biomass increases as the season progresses

Plant biomass increases as the season progresses

Aerial image showing a lake surrounded by land with varying levels of plant biomass. The map uses color coding to indicate plant abundance: red (dense), orange (medium), yellow (sparse), green (trace), and black (none). A legend in the bottom left corner explains the colors. The image focuses on the distribution of Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail) in August 2018.

Coontail (native) reaches high abundance by late season

2018 SUNY ESF Findings

  • Primary Otisco Lake invasive species are Eurasian Milfoil and Curly Pond Weed

  • Milfoil has increased its spread and density throughout the lake since 2005

  • Milfoil likely out competing other native species

  • Curly Pond Weed abundant early but dimishes late season

  • Coontail (native reaches high abundance by late season

  • Plant biomass increases as the season progresses

Mapping Source: “Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control (NYS DEC) Grant Report”, SUNY College of Environmental Science, Kimberly L. Schulz, Project Director, 2018.