Paul McKenzie of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension made remarks to the Vance County Board of Commissioners on the hydrilla infestation of Kerr Lake.
Hydrilla is an exotic species of water plant that is thought to have originated in Asia. It thrives in a wide variety of aquatic environments, and it is a perennial species.
According to McKenzie, the plant was introduced into Kerr Lake and since that time it has spread rapidly. It is considered a nuisance because it impedes swimming as well as boat traffic.
Bass anglers, on the other hand, tend to like hydrilla because it provides an environment likely to contain their fish of choice.
Treatment for a hydrilla infestation is possible. However, those who treat it must have an appropriate license from the state as well as a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. The typical cost is $500. If surrounding areas are not treated at the same time, the plant can re-invade a treated area.
McKenzie told members that a multi-agency survey was conducted on October 26, 2010. The information gleaned during that event will eventually generate an estimate of the acreage that has been infested. The survey did not inspect all lake areas, nor did it investigate the Virginia portions of the lake.
Another survey will be conducted on November 26, 2010.
McKenzie informed board members that they could pass a resolution to request funds for combating hydrilla without committing themselves to any cost. He noted that treatment will cost $300 to $500 per acre, and that hydrilla will not be eliminated, but rather will need to be managed on an ongoing basis.
The Lake Gaston Weed Control Council was cited as an “interesting model” of hydrilla management by McKenzie.
When asked by Chair Danny Wright what the first step would be, McKenzie said that stakeholders need to be identified and contacted. He stressed that contact with counterparts in Virginia would be critical, as actions need to be coordinated with Virginia or that portion of the lake will represent a continual source of re-infestation.
Commissioner Deborah Brown remarked that the state and the Army Corps of Engineers “need to be on point with this rather than local communities and counties”. She said that efforts needed to “start on top” with the federal and state governments.
The matter was referred to the commission’s Planning & Environmental Committee for study.