The 4 Main Control Mechanisms:
Management Plans
A management plan includes the plant management goals and objectives, the control methods to be used and other management strategies such as education to prevent the spread . It takes into account many factors such as the current and future uses of the water body, the priorities of stakeholders, and the resources available (money, expertise, regulations, etc.). As an example, the Cayuga Lake Watershed Hydrilla Management Plan aims for complete eradication.
Some hydrilla management plans have aimed at complete eradication of hydrilla and have succeeded ( Successful Eradication in the US), while others have settled on containing the existing population. Areas with well-established infestations have lost the opportunity to completely get rid of the weeds (as seen on the Invasion Curve). Those communities are limited to control methods that regain some form of use during the boating/recreation season. Often they use mechanical or physical controls every year and chemicals every few years.
See summary of all options here.
Last updated July 26, 2019